Paradise Valley (Virgin River, #7)

Jun 05, 2009 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the series

Recommended to Shawna by: Auntee

Shelves: contemporary-romance, robyn-carr, 2009-reads, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, favorite-romance-series, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-beta, i-read-own-faves-keepers, made-me-cry, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, series-virgin-river, hh-widow-or-widower, small-town-lovin, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, satisfying-secondary-romance, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, doctor-or-nurse-in-the-house-shrink, 5-stars, hh-limp-paraplegic-wheelchair, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, heroine-undeserving-of-awesome-hero, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf, hero-military-war-veteran, hh-resist-cause-im-no-good-for-you, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, tearjerker-tugs-at-heartstrings, romance-doesnt-end-at-40

5 stars – Contemporary Romance

Paradise Valley is perhaps the darkest and most depressing book of the series so far and it’s very light on romance.

I really enjoyed the sweet, funny dynamics of Muriel and Walt’s relationship, but I didn’t necessarily want them as the main spotlight couple.

Rick’s traumatic ordeal in Iraq and subsequent downward spiral into anger, depression, and despair is truly heartbreaking. Rick and Liz have already endured so much together, and I’ve been rooting for their HEA....more

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Mar 26, 2009 Kathrynn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the series

Shelves: romance-contemporary, series-virgin_river_carr, 2009, own, theme-former_military, theme-depressing, reviewed

Depressing. Because this was #7 in a long series where I was already attached to many of the characters I enjoyed this book. The author used a lot of ink explaining previous stories, summing up earlier books and though it might be necessary for those new to this series, it was annoying for me--who read them all--to have to be spoonfed the drama all over again...filler.

As usual, this had several stories running through it:

Cameron and Abby: Their story held my attention the most and wish they had...more

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Mar 26, 2009 Auntee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the series

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2009_reads

I can't believe these words are coming from my keyboard, but I was actually a little disappointed with this one. Don't get me wrong, Robyn Carr can write the most mundane stuff about Virgin River and I'd still be interested enough to read it, but I was nearly half way through this book before things really started to happen. And yes, I like the older couple, retired Army General Walt and former movie star Muriel, but I don't want them to be the front-burner romance. And sorry to any sixty-someth...more I can't believe these words are coming from my keyboard, but I was actually a little disappointed with this one. Don't get me wrong, Robyn Carr can write the most mundane stuff about Virgin River and I'd still be interested enough to read it, but I was nearly half way through this book before things really started to happen. And yes, I like the older couple, retired Army General Walt and former movie star Muriel, but I don't want them to be the front-burner romance. And sorry to any sixty-somethings out there, but I don't really care to go beyond the bedroom door with them either.:)

I think part of the problem for me with this book is the lack of a new romance. Three of the four couples that this book was focused on--Walt and Muriel, Rick and Liz, and Cameron and Abby--had already established a relationship, so there was no wooing or courtship or getting to know you excitement like there was in the previous book ("Temptation Ridge") between Luke and Shelby. And yes, the beginning of a relationship between marijuana grower/ex-con Dan "Shady" Brady and alcoholic Cheryl Creighton was included, but didn't go much beyond the hand holding stage. We finally get the backstory on "Shady Brady", and while it all made sense with how and why he got involved in growing marijuana, I was just expecting something...more exciting? Turns out he was just an average guy with some unusual circumstances, needing to make a quick buck. Somehow I had the feeling that he was going to be an undercover DEA agent or something more...heroic. And while he turned out to be a good guy while trying to turn his life around and fit into the community of Virgin River, the jury's still out for me about his romance with Cheryl.

Not much unusual was revealed about the reason Cheryl was an alcoholic either. No big tragedy in her life to turn her to the bottle or anything like that, just a woman who started drinking in her teens who had an addictive personality. And just like my feelings for Walt and Muriel, I like Dan and Cheryl as a couple, but I just can't see them carrying a book on their own. I don't know if they will be the main couple in the next book or if their budding romance will be in the background, but I just don't see them as the "A" couple.

As far as Cameron and Abby, whose story actually started way back in "Second Chance Pass", I liked them for the most part. Cameron was a prince of a guy, and I didn't know why Abby had to fight him so long. I wanted to slap her a couple of times and tell her "Wake up, girl, this guy is everything you need!" I didn't care for her b***** attitude towards him, and I was glad when her friend Vanni talked some sense into her. I think she was darn lucky to have a guy like Cameron, and thankfuuly, it wasn't long before she realized it too. And they did end up having some hot, sweet moments together too--as much as an eight month pregnant woman can have, anyway.:)

And finally, young Rick and Liz...these two have had a long, tough road together, and with this book it actually got tougher. After what happened to him in Iraq, I totally understood Rick's self pity. What happened to him was an awfully tough pill to swallow. And while it was often sad and brought a few tears to my eyes, I enjoyed reading about his struggles and his worries about his future, and yes, even his nasty attitude. I felt Robyn Carr did a good job of getting inside the mind of a wounded vet, and I was interested to see how Rick's story played out. I was happy to see that Liz was the strong one in the relationship, and she didn't put up with Rick's crap. I had a few doubts that Rick would get his act together, but a surprising person helped turn him around, and show him all was not lost just because of his disability.

Luckily, Jack played a nice supporting (but meddling) role in this book. I always enjoy reading about Jack and Mel, and all the other characters from Virgin River that we've come to know and love. A big hint was dropped about the characters for a follow up book too. Seems like a preacher may be coming to town to take over an old abandoned church. I'm trying to think if there are any single, available women in town--maybe Vanni has some more friends?

So, not a bad book, but I was hoping for a little more romance, a little more steam. It looks like three of these four stories are all but wrapped up with HEAs, so it's time to bring some new blood to Virgin River. Hopefully a couple of Jack's Marine buddies or Luke's brothers will decide to settle in Virgin River, and one of the ladies in town is bound to have a friend...and we can watch the sparks fly again. Not many sparks flying in this one, but if you enjoy Robyn Carr, you'll still find this a worthwhile read--just not her very best.--4 stars.(less)

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Mar 27, 2009 Isis FG rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Isis FG by: continuation of a series

Shelves: author-robyn-carr, series-virgin-river, 2009, info-full, genre-romance-drama, reviewed, published-2009, stars-4

What to say...what to say...I find myself a bit torn on my feelings for this book. Because I liked it a lot. It was a quick, enjoyable read with characters I love. At the same time, I was disappointed in it and somewhat frustrated because it wasn't what I expected, or what I necessarily wanted.

Paradise Valley is the seventh book in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, and the third and final book in the most recent trilogy. This book basically picks up threads started in previous books, which makes...more

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Mar 25, 2009 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. typical VR book, which means I loved it. FOUR separate romances plus visits from/mentions of possibly every other friggin' character introduced, excluding Marcie/Ian. Dan is also a big part of this book & plays an important role in the end. I was very interested to read about him ever since I read the back blurb & the book lived up to my expectations. he also had some very funny lines. anyway. storylines:

Abby/Cam - my favorite storyline. Cam is pretty much perfect and adorable and I lov...more

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Mar 27, 2009 Christel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-reads

Was okay but not what I expected and for Rick to treat Liz the way he does in this book was just really ticking me off. They have been through so much and this is the way he acts. I would have smacked him. But I do believe there are more future books in this series just by the way things are left

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Mar 21, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay, I had no business reading this book as relentlessly as I did. I couldn't put it down and now I've accomplished exactly nothing today but finishing this installment in record time.

There are four couples in this one. Rick and Liz seem to be considered the primary, but Abby and Cameron take center stage just as much, IMO. Walt and Murial are a nice side story, being nearly senior citizens and all. While some people might be grossed out by the old person sex, I think there's enough to let us k...more Okay, I had no business reading this book as relentlessly as I did. I couldn't put it down and now I've accomplished exactly nothing today but finishing this installment in record time.

There are four couples in this one. Rick and Liz seem to be considered the primary, but Abby and Cameron take center stage just as much, IMO. Walt and Murial are a nice side story, being nearly senior citizens and all. While some people might be grossed out by the old person sex, I think there's enough to let us know these are some seriously attractive and in shape oldsters.

I won't talk about the other couple because it unfolds pretty nicely and doesn't need to be spoiled beforehand.

Okay, let's start with Abby/Cameron. Wow. I hated her guts for a long time. She did not handle herself well. Not. At. All. She was very mean to Cameron and he didn't deserve it one bit.

HOWEVERRRRRRR..... her behavior did bring about total Vanni Redemption with her 'you have no right' speech to her good friend. Way to go Vanni-girl, sticking up for Cameron. Woo hoooooo!

Add to that the fact that Cameron was not a doormat like Paul (or most of the other men in Second Chance Pass) and it's more acceptable when Abby comes around. And she does. Believably. I loved the whole birthing sequence from beginning to end. I still don't know what those kids' names are, though. Did I miss it?

Anyway, I thought Abby came around, and since Cameron didn't actually take her crap when she got really nasty, I think we can be optimistic about their future.

Now on to Rick and Liz's story. This was a really great story that actually takes place mostly near the end of the book. Liz does distinguish herself as a great heroine, especially in light of some of the earlier books where she came off as a bit of a weepy, slightly crazy girl. She's a very strong woman now, and smarter than anyone thought. It was wonderful to see that development.

Rick goes through a lot in the story as well, and it doesn't help matters that everyone understands what he's going through, they'd just rather not be the whipping boy. Again, the climax of their story was a really nice sequence of romance. A lot of it wasn't a complete surprise, but it was well written and very effective.

Lots of tears in this here book, but very satisfying storytelling, too. (less)

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Jul 09, 2010 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, military-or-ex-military, disabled-injured-scarred, own, tearjerkers, my-4-star-romances

#7 in the continuing saga of The Virgin River series. A bit disappointing for me but still a solid read. The book was supposed to focus on Rick Sudder and Dan Brady. I didn't feel that either of them got the page time due them nor the women they love. Nevertheless, I will continue on with the series.

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Apr 27, 2011 Mery rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zai

Huuu... keren banget ceritanya.

Bikin mata berkaca-kaca.
Buku yang indah...

Aku ga baca buku ini dari buku pertama. Dan langsung baca buku ini.

Tokoh-tokohnya keren. Penuh kepedulian dan selalu bersikap saling menolong. Walau tempat Virgin River itu kata pengarangnya cuma fiktif, tapi benar-benar kayak nyata...

Awalnya aku suka konflik antara Abby dan Cameron. Tapi kisah Rick dan Liz, bikin hati teremas-remas. hiks..

Di sini Rick pulang dari Irak dan mengalami berbagai kekacauan dalam hidupnya. Tapi L...more

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Mar 29, 2009 Catyche rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Paradise Valley is the seventh addition to the Virgin River series and I was really looking forward to it. It follows the story of Rick, after he is injured in Iraq and how he pushes those he loves the most away including his long-time girlfriend Liz who must decide if she'll follow her heart and pursue him or let him go as he asks of her. Paradise Valley also continues the story of Cameron and Abby from where it left off in Temptation Ridge as they try to get beyond their rough beginning and re...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Rjsmommy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-s-fair-in-love, i-love-semper-fi

Ok...this was sort-of the book I was waiting for. I love Rick and Liz, was intrigued by Dan Brady and wanted more of Cameron. I loved Rick's struggle with his war injury and how it affected him and those around him. Cameron and Abby's story was sweet and am glad Cameron got what he has been longing for. Dan has always intrigued me (OK..I was wrong about the deep undercover cop part) but his real story was even better. Of course, it was set up from the beginning of the story for his injury revela...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Lawana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: robin-carr

Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr

A MOVING STORY ABOUT SURVIVAL, FORGIVENESS -- AND THE POWER OF LOVE TO HEAL A WOUNDED SPIRIT

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq--his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?

As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another r...more

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Jan 19, 2012 KatiD rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-review-ish

This.

This is the book I hoped Robyn Carr would write when I'd heard that her next three books were coming out. I don't think we can talk about the book without introducing the back cover blurb first:

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq-his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Mary Lou rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Formulaic? Check. Had to keep reading to find out what happened, anyway? Check. The story of Virgin River continues to grow. No, it's not great literature, but it is readable and fun, and I am very interested in where Robyn Carr is going with the boarded-up church in town . . .

someday soon, someone will write a master's thesis on the civic religion embodied by these books. Not sure if the author realizes she is codifying what are considered behavioral norms in this decade, but I have a feeling s...more

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Feb 20, 2011 Suzanne Barrett rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book 7 in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series is Paradise Valley which has four stories running simultaneously. First, a continuation of the growing attraction between Dr. Cameron Michaels and Abby Crawford who, after their one-night stand in Grants Pass, is expecting twins. A crazy prenup has Abby trying desperately to drop out of sight, because her divorce settlement requires her to remain chaste in order to receive alimony–money she desperately needs to pay off staggering credit card debt incurr...more Book 7 in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series is Paradise Valley which has four stories running simultaneously. First, a continuation of the growing attraction between Dr. Cameron Michaels and Abby Crawford who, after their one-night stand in Grants Pass, is expecting twins. A crazy prenup has Abby trying desperately to drop out of sight, because her divorce settlement requires her to remain chaste in order to receive alimony–money she desperately needs to pay off staggering credit card debt incurred by her ex-husband.

Cam has spent some time searching for Abby–the time with her has made him realize he wants her in his life. Finally, he moves to Virgin River to take over the old doctor’s practice...and runs smack into Abby who is hiding out at Vanni’s and Paul’s until her babies are born. Thus begins a tenuous relationship with Cam trying to win her trust.

The second story is about Rick Sudder, Jack’s protegee, who has gone to Iraq. When his platoon is ambushed, he suffers serious injuries and loses a leg. Jack and his girlfriend Liz fly to Germany to see him, but Rick has problems dealing with his loss. When he returns to Virgin River, he’s not the same boy. Liz still loves him but he won’t allow that love to grow and he pushes her away. Counseling helps, but it’s not until a confrontation that Rick comes to see that he’s the obstacle in their relationship.

Story three (and my favorite) brings a man never before named in earlier episodes into the light. Dan Brady, once a pot grower, has done time and is ready to resume the life he had before he made bad choices. He returns to Virgin River and is hired by Paul Haggerty on his construction crew. Little by little, the details of Dan’s life come out, and gradually, he draws closer to the bar regulars. I like Dan’s character and his wit–Ms. Carr has made him a wonderfully likable character.

Dan rents the Creighton house. Mr. Creighton has gone to live with a brother, Mrs. Creighton has passed away, and Cheryl, formerly the town drunk, has sobered up and is in rehab and holding down a job in Eureka. She wants nothing to do with the falling-down place except to rent it to someone who will help her make the tax payment on it. Dan jumps at the chance, even though the old place needs lots of work. They strike a deal and Dan begins to rehabilitate the house in his spare time. He finds Cheryl attractive and a friendship develops. Sunday afternoons find them sharing sandwiches at a park in Eureka where they talk about their experiences and enjoy each other’s company. Dan is attracted but decided to play it slow since Cheryl isn’t ready for anything more than friendship.

Walt Booth struggles with being separated from Muriel who is in Montana filming a movie. Finally, out of fear of losing her, he flies to see her for a long weekend and finds he isn’t at all out of place there. Thus begins a series of visits where their love for each other grows.

Rick and Liz make plans for the future that include being together. Abby delivers twins and she and Cam make plans to be married. Walt and Muriel grow closer than ever and I suspect, we’ll see more of Dan and Cheryl in a future story.

Ms. Carr has superbly woven these threads together into a satisfying book. Do your self a favor and get the entire series and read them in order.

Two thumbs up on this one.(less)

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Feb 19, 2011 Alison rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, fiction, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I bought this book because of the blurb on the back. I hadn't read a Virgin River novel in a while and when I saw Robyn Carr speak at the Orange County Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America meeting, I decided that I wanted to dip my toes back into her world.

Wounded warriors and hurt/comfort are majors buttons of mine and I was really excited to see that there was a book in the series that seemed to hit those buttons dead on.

The problem is that while the back of the book says that the book i...more I bought this book because of the blurb on the back. I hadn't read a Virgin River novel in a while and when I saw Robyn Carr speak at the Orange County Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America meeting, I decided that I wanted to dip my toes back into her world.

Wounded warriors and hurt/comfort are majors buttons of mine and I was really excited to see that there was a book in the series that seemed to hit those buttons dead on.

The problem is that while the back of the book says that the book is about Rick and his injury and Dan and his quest for acceptance, I found that to not be the case when actually reading the book.

Yes, I understand that these books are ensemble pieces and that there are more stories than just what is on the back of the book. But come on, we don't even meet Dan until page 60 or so and Rick doesn't actually make a physical appearance until page 93.

Then, it seems, the focus is on Abby and Cameron. Who I LOATHED. I HATED THEM as characters. She's an idiot and he's a pushy, know-it-all who never ONCE felt like a real person to me. The focus on their relationship over that of Rick and Liz was really sad for me. I bought the book for Rick and Liz and I got stupid Abby and 2-dimensional Cameron.

I was sad that Dan's chance at love felt tacked on and very much an after thought. I wanted more about him but didn't get hardly anything UNTIL he could be used as a means of getting Rick over his shit.

All in all, I think a lot of this book was mishandled and poorly constructed. There were moments that I really enjoyed, like the relationship between Walt and Muriel, but on the whole, I was disappointed and annoyed.

And because I was so disenchanted, this was the first time I ever really noticed Carr's habit of having her men talk like Dr. Phil as opposed to people we all have met in real life. Yes, I get that romance novels are all about wish fulfillment and that there are many women out there who want their men to communicate as clearly as we see in Carr's books.

However, I think that the preachiness and the know-it-all nature of many of these characters just got old for me.

I think anyone who has read all of the books in the series so far would prob. like this book a lot. I, however, did not.(less)

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Mar 21, 2012 Regina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-also-listened-to, listened-to-audio-only, romance, favorite-series

Another solid installment in the Virgin River series. Paradise Valley is more about the town and community of Virgin River than any one romance, although it does center around four couples -- Liz and Rick, Abby and Cameron, Dan and Cheryl, and Muriel and Walt. The theme of the Paradise Valley was one about rebuilding from a damaged background – Dan and Cheryl are coming back from some painful experiences and Rick is back in California recovering from a war injury. A credit to Robyn Carr, the cha...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Lisa - (Aussie Girl) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-contemporary

I always enjoy my journey into pure Romancelandia when I pick up a Virgin River Novel. The ensemble cast is one of the strengths of this series. However in Paradise Valley we have four major relationships vying for page time, the angsty problems of Liz and Rick, two losts souls coming together in Dan Brady and Cheryl Chreighton, the wrong way round relationship of Abby and Dr Cameron Michaels and the seniors in Walt and Muriel. I was looking forward to more emphasis being put on the problems of...more

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Mar 26, 2011 Hope Frost rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was one of my favorite stories of the Virgin River series, right behind Jack and Mel's story. There was so much raw emotion after the accident that took Rick's leg. It was gut wrenching to see him struggle and know that this happens all over the world in today's society. I loved that Liz is so young but so old at the same time. She has pride and sass and learns not to take any crap. Again, we revisit lots of old friends and get to know a few new ones. If I had one complaint, the phrase et c...more

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Jul 13, 2010 Ally rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, ebook

I was really looking forward to this book especially since I thought it was mainly going to be about Rick and his long time girl Liz but nope, sorry to disappoint you it's a mixture of couples throughout the whole story. Paradise Valley is about Walt and Muriel, Rick and Liz, Cameron and Abby and Dan and Cheryl. None of these are new romances they're all romances that have started in previous books through the series.

Walt and Muriel - I thought this was a really sweet part of the book, how a cou...more I was really looking forward to this book especially since I thought it was mainly going to be about Rick and his long time girl Liz but nope, sorry to disappoint you it's a mixture of couples throughout the whole story. Paradise Valley is about Walt and Muriel, Rick and Liz, Cameron and Abby and Dan and Cheryl. None of these are new romances they're all romances that have started in previous books through the series.

Walt and Muriel - I thought this was a really sweet part of the book, how a couple older in life have managed to eventually find 'the one'. Muriel has already been married 5 times and never thought of really getting involved again and Walt lost his wife quite a few years ago. Walt made it hard for Muriel to resist him which I found really lovely. But the sex scenes for this couple were a bit too much for me, it's like reading about your parents having sex. Yes, it may be juvenile but that's how I feel.

Cameron and Abby - Cameron and Abby's story started in Second Chance Pass that I didn't read but I didn't feel I missed out because most of what happened is recapped in Paradise Valley. I really felt for both Cam and Abby. Cam was totally hooked on Abby after just one night and she blows him off, then he finds out she's pregnant and wasn't planning on telling him and Abby is dealing with the divorce from her husband and paying off this credit cards, which is just plain awful when they were only together for a few months before they spilt. I loved how Cam eventually won Abby over and they became a family! It was this past of the book what made it worth reading.

Rick and Liz - This was my least favourite story within the book, which is ironic as it was the main reason I couldn't wait to read Paradise Valley. You had to go through the whole book to eventually get to Rick and Liz's HEA and by then I wasn't totally sure if Rick deserved his happily ever after with Liz after the way he behaved and how he treated Liz the whole way through the book. I am glad however that Dan managed to sort him out and that Rick finally got his head back on straight. I really didn't like the way Rick and Jack interacted through most of the book and was really glad when they made up.

Dan and Cheryl - I thought these two were such a bad idea when I first released they were going to become an item but I can happily say I was wrong! Dan was not only so sweet to Cheryl, he was supportive and understanding of what she'd been through and what she was doing now. I liked Dan right from the start when he appeared in the first book Virgin River and kidnapped Mel into helping him with a pregnant woman and I continued to like him popping in through the series. I liked how they had to both work hard to get on with their lives and get clean.

This was a great book that tied up all the loose ends!(less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance-series, romance

3.5 STARS

Rick has been wounded in battle and Jack and Liz go to Germany to see the extent the damage and maybe say goodbye. The man they find in the hospital bed is not the Rick they knew around Virgin River. Kind hearted Jack must stay strong and be the father Rick needs. Rick seems bent on breaking his relationships, especially with Liz, his first love.

Mel finally talks Cheryl, the town drunk, to go into rehab and try to give herself a chance. Dan Brady, the mysterious man and grower, finally...more

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Jan 11, 2010 Tam Herra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemp-romance, fun-lifestyle-reads

I liked this book a little more than the last few books because there was so much going on. Lots of couples to follow.

Obviously, Rick broke my heart. His story was so quickly resolved thougg. Does that happen in real life? Do you just suddenly realize you've been acting like a jerk-off and change your ways. That might happen ... but it was a little abrupt.

I love Dan and I have been waiting for him to become a bigger part of the story so I was ALL OVER that.

Sort of completely skipped over the Wa...more

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Oct 08, 2010 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: robyn-carr

Wow, what a disappointing book. As much as I love to read about Virgin River and will still read the next books. I was highly disappointed in this book.

There was way too much summarizing in this book. We know that Dan was a grower and Cheryl was the town drunk. We know that Rick and Liz lost a baby and he went to war. That made me really bored. I could easily put this book down, which is not a good thing for me!

Rick and Liz's story was a huge disappointment; I was so excited to read about thei...more

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Sep 20, 2010 Mom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-during-2010

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq—his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?
As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Bree T rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library-reads, contemporary, romance, series, women-s-fiction

Paradise Valley is the 7th novel in the Virgin River series and in this one, we’re focused on Rick, who regular readers have gotten to know as he grew from a teenager to a young man. Rick worked in Jack’s bar in the first novel and looked up to Jack as a sort of father figure, being an orphan who lives with his elderly grandmother. As a 16yo boy, he became involved with the 14yo provocative and beautiful Liz and the two found out the hard way that it takes only once to conceive a baby. Rick stoo...more Paradise Valley is the 7th novel in the Virgin River series and in this one, we’re focused on Rick, who regular readers have gotten to know as he grew from a teenager to a young man. Rick worked in Jack’s bar in the first novel and looked up to Jack as a sort of father figure, being an orphan who lives with his elderly grandmother. As a 16yo boy, he became involved with the 14yo provocative and beautiful Liz and the two found out the hard way that it takes only once to conceive a baby. Rick stood by her once he found out about the pregnancy and the two were brought closer together when Lizzie delivered a stillborn baby boy. It’s always been Rick that has pushed Liz to see her potential, he’s always been the rock in the relationship.

When Rick decides to join the Marines like his hero Jack, he persuades Liz to stay in school, get good marks and get to college. There will be time for them, he promises her. They need good educations and careers behind them, before they can make their life together. Liz, who has become insecure and clingy since her loss, is devastated at the thought of losing Rick to the war, but she is determined to do what he wishes and make him proud of her.

Rick is shipped to Iraq and is barely there before Jack gets word that he has been severely injured. Jack and Liz go to the military hospital in Germany to visit him and are shocked at the change in him. Before too long Rick undergoes physio and counselling back in America and when that is complete, he can come home to Virgin River. The Rick that arrives is not even close to the Rick that left Virgin River. This Rick is bitter, twisted, lamenting what has happened to him, determined to wallow in the negatives and push everyone close to him away, no matter how much he knows he is hurting them. And himself.

Jack and Liz are at a loss how to help him. He spurns their every offering, their every olive branch. Rick is so convinced that he’s a curse on those closest to him, that he’s bad luck, that he irrationally blames himself for everything that has ever gone wrong around him, no matter how ridiculous that is. However when it seems like Liz might finally be getting the point, and stops trying, Rick suddenly discovers that he’s not quite sure that’s what he wants.

Dan Brady has drifted in and out of previous books – a sometimes shadowy figure who was once involved with illegal growers, Dan has done his time and has returned to a place like Virgin River because he knows that the sort of activities he was previously involved in are not tolerated. He finds work in construction, he makes some friends at the bar, he rents a home in Virgin River that he is busy fixing up. He finds someone that is just as much of an outcast as him, to talk to. Cheryl was once the Virgin River drunk and now that she’s sober she has no desire to return to her old town. She rents her parents house out to Dan and the two meet occasionally in a nearby town for picnics and so Dan can pay rent.

Dan is rebuilding his life just fine. To the surprise of the town, he’s the perfect person to help Rick get beyond what plagues him.

This one was another really enjoyable installment in the series! I’ve always liked Rick and Liz, from the very first time they appeared and I’ve followed their journey eagerly throughout the books. Their stillbirth delivery was a heartbreaking scene (especially for someone who was in their second trimester of pregnancy, like I was when I was reading it). The way Rick was written, as a teenage boy struggling to do the right thing by his girl, but also freaking the heck out, was amazing. I thought that Carr nailed the desire to do the right thing, to not run, with the desire to be a normal kid, really well. As the two got older, they appeared less in the books, with Liz living elsewhere to finish high school and Rick making the decision to join the Marines and then heading off on training. He was mentioned as coming home on a break once or twice, and for keeping in contact with Jack, but we saw little of him until he returns to Virgin River after being seriously wounded in Iraq.

Carr nailed that too. The anger, the self-loathing, the fear that was going through Rick as he faced his life as ‘different’ to before, was so well done. He angered me and frustrated me and I wanted to give him a good slap at times, just like Jack did. But then I would feel for him because he was so damaged by what he had seen and what had happened to him. Liz really matured in this book, previously she leaned on Rick and needed him for support for just about everything but in this novel she really grew and proved that she could be the strong one for when Rick needed it. And boy did he need it here.

I was told to “keep reading” every time I asked about the shady character who seems to be an illegal grower in the early novels but then appears several times to assist characters and I’m glad I did! He returns as an actual character with focus in this novel and I thought his back story was really interesting. I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get a bit more on him but he was a big part of this book and we learn pretty much all about him. And there’s plenty to learn!

I really enjoyed the first two books, the third was ok, 4 and 5 were a bit of a slump for me but 6 and 7 have really been great. I’ve requested 8 from the library but it’s not due back for a little while so I’m able to take a bit of a Virgin River break. After 8 things get a bit tricky regarding tracking the more recent books down – hope they’re all as good as these ones I’ve just read!(less)

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Nov 02, 2012 Jack rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: virgin-river

Shirley and I just finished reading this book yesterday. We both found it absorbing enough to soak up a couple of evening each while we finished reading.

There are three couples that we follow throughout the book. Rick and Liz and their trails as a couple are back again. This time rather than being one of the minor sub plots they get to share the spot light with the General Walt, the Movie start Muriel, the doctor Cam and ex rock star wife, Abby.

There are a couple of subplots going on as well. T...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Heartwarming, Small-Town Romances

Shelves: contemporary-romance, desert-island-keepers, read-2012

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Every return visit I've made to Virgin River so far has been a pleasant and enjoyable one, and Paradise Valley was no exception. I only had a few small complaints (hence the half star deduction). The first is that the back cover blurb made it sound like this book was going to be Rick and Liz's story, and after all this young couple has been through, I was really looking forward to them having a book that was virtually all their own. However, this wasn't quite...more Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Every return visit I've made to Virgin River so far has been a pleasant and enjoyable one, and Paradise Valley was no exception. I only had a few small complaints (hence the half star deduction). The first is that the back cover blurb made it sound like this book was going to be Rick and Liz's story, and after all this young couple has been through, I was really looking forward to them having a book that was virtually all their own. However, this wasn't quite the case. I suppose there was a bit more focus given to their romance, but really this book contained an ensemble of couples. In addition to Rick and Liz weathering through another trial, there is also major relationship progression for Cameron and Abby and Walt and Muriel, as well as a brand new romance for two secondary characters who have been a part of Virgin River since the first book of the series. I can't complain too much though, because I really liked all four couples. Another little issue I had is that there was very little romance for the first half of the book, so it takes a while for things to really get going. The three established couples spend most of this time in conflict, but about halfway through the reader is finally treated to some really deep emotion and more of the tender, heart-stopping romance I've come to expect from the Virgin River series. Lastly, I was a tad disappointed that Rick and Liz didn't get a reunion love scene after they finally worked everything out, especially since they were ostensibly the “main” couple. Overall though, all of my little criticisms were far outweighed by the sheer joy of revisiting these characters, so it was still a great story.

Rick has definitely grown up, but it hasn't been an easy road for him in the least. He's now a wounded warrior both in body and spirit and spends a little time indulging in some self-pity. He's been through so much in his short life that now he thinks he's bad luck for everyone and that they're better off without him. He ends up pushing away nearly everyone he's ever cared about, including Liz and Jack, even though all they want to do is love and support him. The back and forth struggle that Rick goes through, one minute longing to have any small connection he can to Liz, like listening to her phone messages over and over, and the next, ruthlessly tamping down his feelings for her, was very realistic and well-done. He never stopped loving her but believed he wasn't good for her and she could do better. Rick ends up treating Jack like dirt too, but eventually he comes to his senses in a dramatic, heart-wrenching moment.

For her part, Liz has been completely committed and faithful to Rick through his Marine training and tour of Iraq. She didn't hesitate to go to Germany the minute she got word of him being wounded and didn't even flinch at the sight of his severe injury. She's a strong young woman who has weathered through all the bad times with Rick and is determined to not give up on him even when he won't answer his phone or speak to her. She never stops trying until he breaks her heart face-to-face, but even then, deep down, she couldn't stop loving him. That kind of loyalty is very rare in one so young, which in my book makes her a great heroine. It was also why it was difficult to handle the way Rick treated her, but in spite of that, I still understood his pain too.

Cameron and Abby are a pair of sweethearts, who I instantly liked when they hooked up in the last book. Their story picks up exactly where it left off, with Abby still running scared. She's afraid of what her cheating, no-good ex might do if he finds out she's pregnant and violated their prenup just a week before their divorce was final. She's also having a little trouble trusting a man whom she barely knows. These issues, combined with pregnancy hormones, make Abby a little prickly in the beginning, but Cameron is nothing if not patient and persistent. At first, there seems to be a lot of distance between this couple, as Cameron works to try to find a way to just be parenting partners. He doesn't want to completely scare Abby off, but he is insistent, and rightfully so, on being a father to his children. Many men wouldn't do nearly that much, especially if the mother was fighting him on it the way Abby sometimes did. I love the way he was so focused on taking care of Abby throughout the remainder of her pregnancy. He's a very selfless man who always tries to put her needs first and was willing to go anywhere or do anything to stay close to her and the babies, and eventually his gentleness and patience paid off, giving him everything he's ever dreamed of.

Walt and Muriel are proof that love and romance isn't just for the young, but also the young at heart. They enjoy as healthy of a sex life as some of their younger counterparts, and surprisingly, they got the first love scene of the book and were the only one of the four couples to get a full love scene that didn't involve dreams, rough, angry sex, or convolutions to get around a pregnancy. Muriel is still off filming her movie that she hopes will finally win her the Oscar, while Walt pines away in loneliness back in Virgin River. He doesn't think that he can fit into her world full of glitz and glamor, but eventually, he decides to take a chance on this headstrong, independent woman who turns out to have a surprisingly vulnerable side. Whenever this couple gets together around Muriel's' work schedule, they act like a couple of teenagers falling in love for the first time.

Last but not least, we have Dan (aka Shady Brady) who has been there since the beginning. At first, I thought maybe he was an undercover cop or something, but apparently not. He returns to Virgin River after a short stint in prison for illegally growing pot. Understandably, Jack and the others are a little wary of him at first, but they haven't forgotten how he saved Paige's life and helped them in other ways too. Paul was a stand-up guy to take a chance on hiring Dan, and Jack comes around pretty fast as well. I thought Robyn Carr did a great job of redeeming this character into an appealing hero. It seems that deep down he's always had a conscience and good reasons for what he did. Now he's trying to turn over a new leaf. He has a lot in common with the other men of Virgin River and feels especially connected to Rick. Dan also connects with another long-time resident of Virgin River who has felt like just as much of an outcast, the former town drunk, Cheryl. Cheryl is doing really well, post-rehab, but is pretty wary of getting involved with any guy. These two are a couple of emotionally wounded souls on the road to recovery. They develop a deep friendship, taking things really slow while simply enjoying each other's company and getting to know one another.

Paradise Valley wouldn't be a Virgin River book without appearances by all the favorite characters readers have come to love. Jack and Mel, Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, Paul and Vanni are all here, supporting their friends and families. We get a lot of the story from Jack's POV as he struggles with figuring out how to help Rick and Liz. Luke and Shelby put in an appearance, announcing plans for a wedding and starting a family. Dotty, old Hope McCray buys the abandoned church to resell on eBay, which I'm sure is a set up for the next full-length novel in the series, Forbidden Falls, in which a new minister comes to town as the hero. As always, these characters have become like a second family in my mind, and I can't wait for my next visit with them when I continue the series.(less)

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Apr 21, 2012 Brianne rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

2.5 stars

It seems I might be in the minority, but I was not to much a fan of this entrant in the series. All the other books seemed like they focused on one couple, start to finish, whereas I felt this one read as if it was tying up three stories without really focusing on one. The Cam and Abby storyline kind of just ended after a big event. I think it would have been better with some more closure. A storyline that had arced over books 5-7 was wrapped up. The 'new' romance of the book was actual...more

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Feb 11, 2012 TJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have finally come to the conclusion that this series is no longer about one particular romance with each installment. It has evolved into a love story that is more about a community rather than a couple and it reads more like a soap opera (minus the over-the-top dramatics) than a single tale. That can be a good thing for those who like continuing sagas where one gets to keep up with previous players while enjoying new and interesting characters. It can also be a bad thing if one prefers focus....more

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Mar 18, 2012 Leea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars. I love this series but felt that this book had too many love stories going on. I would have liked to have more focus on Liz and Rick because those two have been through some real heavy stuff. I'm looking forward to the next book.

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Paradise Valley (Virgin River #7)

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