I enjoyed seeing a new side to Preacher. His protective friendship with Paige was heartwarming; and his paternal relationship with Paige’s son, Chris, was very moving. I loved the pacing of their story and watching the gradual transition from friendship into something more.

Unlike Virgin River, this story caught my interest from the very beginning and I read it non-stop. Also unlike Virgin River, this story didn’t seem to focus just on the main protagonists. This story embodied a majority of side characters introduced in the previous book with foreshadowing of events to come in future books of the series.

And don’t get me wrong ~ I love Jack and Mel. But they had their story. And yes, I had hoped to catch up with them a little in Shelter Mountain, but I began to feel like this story was as much a continuation of Jack and Mel’s story as it was the story of Preacher and Paige. I wanted more of Preacher of Paige.

I’m also intrigued by their new friend, Dan. Even if I wasn’t already in love with this series, I’d want to continue reading just to find out more about him.

All in all though, I was glad to magically be transported back to Virgin River and get to know some of my favorite characters better. It really is a wonderful place and Ms. Carr has created a terrific group of friends in this little town.

This was Very Good. I am really looking forward to reading Mike and Brie’s story, Whispering Rock, but unfortunately I can’t get my hands on it for another two weeks. I may have to just suck it up and buy the series because I can definitely see these as rereads. While I’m at it, I guess I should get the Grace Valley books as well.