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Virgin River #5
Een nieuwe horizon
Vanessa heeft een zware tijd achter de rug: binnen een paar maanden heeft ze haar echtgenoot verloren en is ze bevallen van hun zoon. Nu haar leven in rustiger vaarwater is gekomen, begint ze te beseffen dat de man die er steeds voor haar was in die moeilijke periode, inmiddels meer voor haar is geworden dan zomaar een vriend. Helaas lijkt hij niet hetzelfde voor haar te voelen...
Voor Paul Haggerty is het niet meer dan logisch dat hij de vrouw van zijn beste vriend heeft bijgestaan in haar verdriet. Gemakkelijk was dat niet, gezien het feit dat hij al jaren heimelijk verliefd op haar is. Nu heeft hij het gevoel dat er iets is opgebloeid tussen hen. Hij worstelt echter met het idee dat hij zijn overleden vriend verraadt.
Net wanneer hij voor zijn gevoelens durft uit te komen, gooit een andere vrouw roet in het eten. Krijgen Paul en Vanessa een tweede kans en vinden ze de liefde waarnaar ze zo verlangen? Als het aan hun vrienden in Virgin River ligt, moet het lukken!
Voor Paul Haggerty is het niet meer dan logisch dat hij de vrouw van zijn beste vriend heeft bijgestaan in haar verdriet. Gemakkelijk was dat niet, gezien het feit dat hij al jaren heimelijk verliefd op haar is. Nu heeft hij het gevoel dat er iets is opgebloeid tussen hen. Hij worstelt echter met het idee dat hij zijn overleden vriend verraadt.
Net wanneer hij voor zijn gevoelens durft uit te komen, gooit een andere vrouw roet in het eten. Krijgen Paul en Vanessa een tweede kans en vinden ze de liefde waarnaar ze zo verlangen? Als het aan hun vrienden in Virgin River ligt, moet het lukken!
305 pages, ebook
First published January 2, 2009
4119 people are currently reading
10678 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
164 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,268 reviews
September 13, 2022
Woo boy. This one really didn't work. The main couple (Vanni and Paul sucked) but Carr decides to force in romances for a friend of Paul and Vanni's and then we have too much focus on Jack and Mel, and then we have Walter and a retired Hollywood actress, and I know I am blanking on someone else. We have appearances by Mike, Preacher, and Paige. I have no idea why Carr didn't focus on the main couple. And I have to say that some of the asides in this book about how Jack doesn't feed firefighters who are the "felon" squads ticked me off. Sure, these men are out there trying to keep your home from burning, but don't deserve free food. Carr ticked me off again when she has Mel pro home birth and doesn't talk about the dangers at having home births. We do have something happen, but it's like a blip and forgotten. This book went on way too long. Was so glad to be done with it.
"Second Chance Pass" has Paul Haggerty reeling from the fact he has fallen for his best friend's now widow, Vanessa Rutledge. He has been there and helped Vanessa as she's now trying to raise her baby son and is scared if he tells her how she feels, she will reject them. However, something from Paul's past may cause the couple more problems than anticipated. We also have Mel and Paige both pregnant and readying themselves for their births. The book jumps around to too many characters for you to get a sense for anyone. Vanessa started to annoy me and definitely bugged me after she got on Paul's friend Joe's back about him starting up a romance with a friend of hers who acted like a loon.
This was the first book when I started to get a bit turned off by Virgin River and it's characters. I felt that too many of them were so aggravating I couldn't imagine being around them for more than 5 minutes. Jack is in everyone's business and he and Mel are similar to a soap opera super couple.
There was no real tension in this one I thought. Just a lot of people being dumb about getting together with each other.
"Second Chance Pass" has Paul Haggerty reeling from the fact he has fallen for his best friend's now widow, Vanessa Rutledge. He has been there and helped Vanessa as she's now trying to raise her baby son and is scared if he tells her how she feels, she will reject them. However, something from Paul's past may cause the couple more problems than anticipated. We also have Mel and Paige both pregnant and readying themselves for their births. The book jumps around to too many characters for you to get a sense for anyone. Vanessa started to annoy me and definitely bugged me after she got on Paul's friend Joe's back about him starting up a romance with a friend of hers who acted like a loon.
This was the first book when I started to get a bit turned off by Virgin River and it's characters. I felt that too many of them were so aggravating I couldn't imagine being around them for more than 5 minutes. Jack is in everyone's business and he and Mel are similar to a soap opera super couple.
There was no real tension in this one I thought. Just a lot of people being dumb about getting together with each other.
January 20, 2009
Whew! I loved it, just as I knew I would. This latest in the 'Virgin River' series had a lot going on. There were at least three new romances, as well as updates on some longer standing ones, a couple of very touching births, a couple of near tragic deaths of some major characters, a funeral, lots of heartbreak, lots of happiness, a joyous wedding, and even a forrest fire that came close to destroying the town and taking the life of one of it's leading citizens. Something was always happening in tiny Virgin River.
Although this book was mainly about the love between newly widowed Vanessa Rutledge and best friend of her late husband, Paul Haggerty, I think almost equal time was given to well-known characters from the previous books in the series, especially Mel and Jack Sheridan (who was like a superhero in this book). Which was fine with me. I love revisiting the lives of Mel and Jack. I love reading about their inspiring love story, their commitment to one another and their family, and their commitment to the town of Virgin River. I also found Jack's relationship with young Rick, a boy he's mentored for a few years, very touching. We also get a glimpse again into the lives of Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, and young Marine Rick and Liz, as well as watch new relationships develop for fellow Marine Joe, Vanessa's father Walt, and her teenage brother Tom. Lots of lovin' goin' on in tiny Virgin River.
I loved the story of newly widowed Vanni, whose husband Matt died tragically in Iraq, and how she was able to stay strong even though she was left with a newborn to raise. Loved the friendship she had with Matt's best friend and former Marine buddy Paul, who had loved her from the minute he first set eyes on her years ago, but was reluctant to fight for her. I did not like how Paul almost blew a chance for happiness with Vanni, and let her almost get stolen away from him by a handsome pediatrician. I was very relieved when he finally got up the gumption (helped along by some advice from his friends) to reveal his long standing feelings for Vanni, and even liked how he went all dominant on her--it was just what the hot-tempered and stubborn Vanni needed. While their love affair was not without a few bumps along the way (including the possibility that he may have fathered a child by another woman) you could feel the love and obvious connection that these two characters had. I especially loved Paul--he was just such an honorable, all-around good guy, and I really wanted him to have a HEA.
As far as the subplots, there was some hot moments for teenage Tom Rutledge and girlfriend Brenda, and I'm sure we'll be reading more about them once Tom graduates from West Point, and moves on to a career in the military. Will these young lovers be able to stay together, even though Tom's military path is sure to keep them apart?
I also loved the plot about Paul's achitect friend Joe. Joe's the last of the Marine buddies who's still single, and he finds his possible soulmate in Virgin River. But after a wildly passionate night together, she disappears, breaking his heart. I was just heartbroken for this guy--he didn't deserve that kind of treatment. But by the end of the book, things look like they finally may be turning around for him, which made me very happy. Hopefully there will be more for him in a future book.
Even Vanessa's father, widowed Army General Walt, finds a surprising new love interest. Although his story is left open-ended, I'm sure his budding romance will appear in a future book.
What more can I say without giving away some spoilers? If you love the Virgin River series you'll adore this book. The characters are beautifully written, you feel like you've known them all your life. The writing is so descriptive, you feel like you can see Jack's Bar right in front of your eyes, down to the mounted trophies on the wall. You know the characters so well, their hurts become your hurts, and bring tears to your eyes. And their joys become your joys, and you'll cry for them as well. There were many times while reading this book that I just had to put it down for a while, because I was tearing up so much. If you haven't read any books in the series, I suppose this book could be read as a stand alone, but please, don't do that to yourself. Start with the first book in the series, Virgin River, you'll want to inhale every factoid about this tiny California town and the awesome men who treat their women like queens, and the brave, spunky women who adore them. Although the heat factor in this book isn't real high in quantity compared to some other books, the few love scenes are hot, and the romance makes up for the rest. I think this is one of the best contemporary romance series out there, and I hope Robyn Carr never stops writing about the men and women of Virgin River. I highly recommend this book and the entire series, and give it a big 5 stars!
Although this book was mainly about the love between newly widowed Vanessa Rutledge and best friend of her late husband, Paul Haggerty, I think almost equal time was given to well-known characters from the previous books in the series, especially Mel and Jack Sheridan (who was like a superhero in this book). Which was fine with me. I love revisiting the lives of Mel and Jack. I love reading about their inspiring love story, their commitment to one another and their family, and their commitment to the town of Virgin River. I also found Jack's relationship with young Rick, a boy he's mentored for a few years, very touching. We also get a glimpse again into the lives of Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, and young Marine Rick and Liz, as well as watch new relationships develop for fellow Marine Joe, Vanessa's father Walt, and her teenage brother Tom. Lots of lovin' goin' on in tiny Virgin River.
I loved the story of newly widowed Vanni, whose husband Matt died tragically in Iraq, and how she was able to stay strong even though she was left with a newborn to raise. Loved the friendship she had with Matt's best friend and former Marine buddy Paul, who had loved her from the minute he first set eyes on her years ago, but was reluctant to fight for her. I did not like how Paul almost blew a chance for happiness with Vanni, and let her almost get stolen away from him by a handsome pediatrician. I was very relieved when he finally got up the gumption (helped along by some advice from his friends) to reveal his long standing feelings for Vanni, and even liked how he went all dominant on her--it was just what the hot-tempered and stubborn Vanni needed. While their love affair was not without a few bumps along the way (including the possibility that he may have fathered a child by another woman) you could feel the love and obvious connection that these two characters had. I especially loved Paul--he was just such an honorable, all-around good guy, and I really wanted him to have a HEA.
As far as the subplots, there was some hot moments for teenage Tom Rutledge and girlfriend Brenda, and I'm sure we'll be reading more about them once Tom graduates from West Point, and moves on to a career in the military. Will these young lovers be able to stay together, even though Tom's military path is sure to keep them apart?
I also loved the plot about Paul's achitect friend Joe. Joe's the last of the Marine buddies who's still single, and he finds his possible soulmate in Virgin River. But after a wildly passionate night together, she disappears, breaking his heart. I was just heartbroken for this guy--he didn't deserve that kind of treatment. But by the end of the book, things look like they finally may be turning around for him, which made me very happy. Hopefully there will be more for him in a future book.
Even Vanessa's father, widowed Army General Walt, finds a surprising new love interest. Although his story is left open-ended, I'm sure his budding romance will appear in a future book.
What more can I say without giving away some spoilers? If you love the Virgin River series you'll adore this book. The characters are beautifully written, you feel like you've known them all your life. The writing is so descriptive, you feel like you can see Jack's Bar right in front of your eyes, down to the mounted trophies on the wall. You know the characters so well, their hurts become your hurts, and bring tears to your eyes. And their joys become your joys, and you'll cry for them as well. There were many times while reading this book that I just had to put it down for a while, because I was tearing up so much. If you haven't read any books in the series, I suppose this book could be read as a stand alone, but please, don't do that to yourself. Start with the first book in the series, Virgin River, you'll want to inhale every factoid about this tiny California town and the awesome men who treat their women like queens, and the brave, spunky women who adore them. Although the heat factor in this book isn't real high in quantity compared to some other books, the few love scenes are hot, and the romance makes up for the rest. I think this is one of the best contemporary romance series out there, and I hope Robyn Carr never stops writing about the men and women of Virgin River. I highly recommend this book and the entire series, and give it a big 5 stars!
May 1, 2016
It took me until 39% before major frustrations with Paul and Vanessa's romance cleared, and I was able to relax a little bit. I still was on edge After that I adored Paul and Vanessa's relationship even though after that point not much page time was spent on them.
That's okay because I loved catching up with my favorite couples: Mel and Jack, with their infant Davy Also, Paige and Preacher were so cute together as they Preacher is such a big teddy bear! Mike and Bree, too. We got the start of a new romance with Vanessa's father Walt (the General) and I enjoyed Joe and Nikki's story, even though I wanted to shake Nikki at one point. Tom (Vanessa's younger brother) and Brenda's Even though it's a young/first love Tom and Brenda seem like the kind of couple that would stay together forever.
Looking forward to Shelby's romance next!
That's okay because I loved catching up with my favorite couples: Mel and Jack, with their infant Davy Also, Paige and Preacher were so cute together as they Preacher is such a big teddy bear! Mike and Bree, too. We got the start of a new romance with Vanessa's father Walt (the General) and I enjoyed Joe and Nikki's story, even though I wanted to shake Nikki at one point. Tom (Vanessa's younger brother) and Brenda's Even though it's a young/first love Tom and Brenda seem like the kind of couple that would stay together forever.
Looking forward to Shelby's romance next!
January 25, 2009
I think I said it after reading A Virgin River Christmas, but it still stands true - reading a new Virgin River novel is like coming home to old friends. You get to catch up with all the previous characters, see how they are all doing and what's new in Virgin River. Plus meet new characters. It's just nice to read and Robyn Carr does a great job with the continuity of this series.
In Second Chance Pass readers finally get the resolution to Vanessa and Paul's relationship. Years ago, Paul and his best friend Matt saw the same woman at the same time. Both wanted her, but it was Matt who took the initiative and eventually married Vanessa. Paul never stopped loving Vanessa, but he would never come between the two. Then Matt was killed while fighting for his country and Paul stayed with Vanessa through it, and the birth of her and Matt's child. Now, Vanessa has realized her feelings for Paul have grown, but she thinks he sees her like a sister. And Paul believes she's not ready for him to reveal his feelings. Things get more complicated when an occasional lover of Paul's tells him she is going to have his baby. So it seems like everything is against them working it out.
And elsewhere in Virgin River, babies are being born, lovers must say goodbye, forest fires threaten. Some people are moving on, others are standing still and others are stuck in the past. There's never a dull moment in Virgin River!
This was such an enjoyable book to read. I loved the characters, the setting, the different storylines. With the exception of one or two small things, I loved every part of this book.
It was great to read Vanessa and Paul getting their happy ending. After everything Vanessa had been through, and Paul's unrequited love, they both deserved a happy future together. I liked the way things developed with them, all the complications. It made the resolution that much sweeter. The outcome of Terrie's pregnancy (the woman Paul slept with) was on the predictable side, but their are only so many ways that can play out. Though it would have added an interesting element to their relationship if it had gone differently.
One of the things I love most about this series, though, is that the prior couples' stories don't end after their book. Some authors who write series seem to forget about the previous H/H once their story is done (like in Brenda Novak's Last Stand trilogy) but Carr keeps them alive and active in every book. They're not just bystanders, but main stage players. In this book, big things happen to Mel and Jack, and you get stuff with Paige and Preacher, and Brie and Mike. It's just really nice to have that continuity, that connection to what's gone on before. It's what makes this series like coming home to old friends.
I also enjoyed the secondary romances in this book, even if none of them were settled when the story ended. There was Tom and Brenda...who I'm guessing will get their story in the third VC trilogy set for next year, and Walt and Muriel, Joe and Nikki, plus a little bit of Ricky and Liz, who will get their story (I assume) in Paradise Valley. Lots of interesting stuff to read in this book! And that's without mentioning the medical emergencies and forest fires that nearly kill main characters!
On the what didn't I like side...well, almost nothing! The one thing thing that I really would have preferred was if the last scene in the book had been with Vanessa and Paul. They were the main H/H of the story, yet for the last chunk of the book, they fell a bit by the wayside. Which, okay, fine. That's Carr's style, but I just think the ending would have been better suited using them instead of Walt and Muriel. Those two ending the book didn't feel right to me. But that's just my opinion.
Other than that, no major complaints for this book. It was a great read. When I first started this series, Carr's style of telling a story annoyed me a little, but it's grown on me and I know what to expect now. So I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you've been reading the VC series, then you MUST read this one! And if you haven't read any of the books, then you should definitely give them a try (especially if you like classic contemporary romance).
NOTE: It's probably important to note that this book isn't exactly a stand-alone. Maybe it could be read alone, but not in my opinion. You really need to read the rest of the series in the correct order to get all the various nuances and relationships. You'd just miss a lot if you jumped in right now.
In Second Chance Pass readers finally get the resolution to Vanessa and Paul's relationship. Years ago, Paul and his best friend Matt saw the same woman at the same time. Both wanted her, but it was Matt who took the initiative and eventually married Vanessa. Paul never stopped loving Vanessa, but he would never come between the two. Then Matt was killed while fighting for his country and Paul stayed with Vanessa through it, and the birth of her and Matt's child. Now, Vanessa has realized her feelings for Paul have grown, but she thinks he sees her like a sister. And Paul believes she's not ready for him to reveal his feelings. Things get more complicated when an occasional lover of Paul's tells him she is going to have his baby. So it seems like everything is against them working it out.
And elsewhere in Virgin River, babies are being born, lovers must say goodbye, forest fires threaten. Some people are moving on, others are standing still and others are stuck in the past. There's never a dull moment in Virgin River!
This was such an enjoyable book to read. I loved the characters, the setting, the different storylines. With the exception of one or two small things, I loved every part of this book.
It was great to read Vanessa and Paul getting their happy ending. After everything Vanessa had been through, and Paul's unrequited love, they both deserved a happy future together. I liked the way things developed with them, all the complications. It made the resolution that much sweeter. The outcome of Terrie's pregnancy (the woman Paul slept with) was on the predictable side, but their are only so many ways that can play out. Though it would have added an interesting element to their relationship if it had gone differently.
One of the things I love most about this series, though, is that the prior couples' stories don't end after their book. Some authors who write series seem to forget about the previous H/H once their story is done (like in Brenda Novak's Last Stand trilogy) but Carr keeps them alive and active in every book. They're not just bystanders, but main stage players. In this book, big things happen to Mel and Jack, and you get stuff with Paige and Preacher, and Brie and Mike. It's just really nice to have that continuity, that connection to what's gone on before. It's what makes this series like coming home to old friends.
I also enjoyed the secondary romances in this book, even if none of them were settled when the story ended. There was Tom and Brenda...who I'm guessing will get their story in the third VC trilogy set for next year, and Walt and Muriel, Joe and Nikki, plus a little bit of Ricky and Liz, who will get their story (I assume) in Paradise Valley. Lots of interesting stuff to read in this book! And that's without mentioning the medical emergencies and forest fires that nearly kill main characters!
On the what didn't I like side...well, almost nothing! The one thing thing that I really would have preferred was if the last scene in the book had been with Vanessa and Paul. They were the main H/H of the story, yet for the last chunk of the book, they fell a bit by the wayside. Which, okay, fine. That's Carr's style, but I just think the ending would have been better suited using them instead of Walt and Muriel. Those two ending the book didn't feel right to me. But that's just my opinion.
Other than that, no major complaints for this book. It was a great read. When I first started this series, Carr's style of telling a story annoyed me a little, but it's grown on me and I know what to expect now. So I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you've been reading the VC series, then you MUST read this one! And if you haven't read any of the books, then you should definitely give them a try (especially if you like classic contemporary romance).
NOTE: It's probably important to note that this book isn't exactly a stand-alone. Maybe it could be read alone, but not in my opinion. You really need to read the rest of the series in the correct order to get all the various nuances and relationships. You'd just miss a lot if you jumped in right now.
May 9, 2012
This is more like a 3.60. I just really didn't love this one as much as the others. It was engrossing, but most of the time I was frustrated.
It's the women. For some reason, in Second Chance Pass, they're all crazy, or bitchy or stupid or a combination of all three. It's very annoying. I've liked the female leads in all the books up until this one. Most of the women, not just Vanni, were practically howl-at-the-moon nuts. And the men came off as more whipped than usual, which is far from my preference.
There were a lot of stories woven in this time. It felt more like a skim over the populace rather than a fully realized arc, but then Carr's Virgin River series isn't organized in strict arcs anyway. Second Chance Pass just seemed to have more focal points, though. Three romances total that all related back to the title, two births, several goodbyes and a Big Event that wraps it all up. That's a lot for one book.
I love the new building going on in Virgin River. I love that more people are coming to the town and falling in love with it. I don't know what new characters that popped up in this one will pop up in further books, but there are a lot of new possibilities now.
I didn't out and out sob reading this one, although the conversation between Rick and Jack almost did the trick. Keep the tissues handy, though. Just because I didn't weep uncontrollably doesn't mean my throat didn't tighten up at several moments. Your mileage may vary.
The best thing about this series is that you come to know the characters so well that, even if they just show up in the background you feel like you've really checked in with them. And you feel like the town's a part of your own experience, which is a very impressive accomplishment for Carr.
No, I didn't love this installment. I do love the series, though, and I'm anxious to move on to the next one. I'll get there, but after a few other books in the TBR. And I will definitely have the tissues in easy reach.
ETA: There are some mild spoilers in the comments.
It's the women. For some reason, in Second Chance Pass, they're all crazy, or bitchy or stupid or a combination of all three. It's very annoying. I've liked the female leads in all the books up until this one. Most of the women, not just Vanni, were practically howl-at-the-moon nuts. And the men came off as more whipped than usual, which is far from my preference.
There were a lot of stories woven in this time. It felt more like a skim over the populace rather than a fully realized arc, but then Carr's Virgin River series isn't organized in strict arcs anyway. Second Chance Pass just seemed to have more focal points, though. Three romances total that all related back to the title, two births, several goodbyes and a Big Event that wraps it all up. That's a lot for one book.
I love the new building going on in Virgin River. I love that more people are coming to the town and falling in love with it. I don't know what new characters that popped up in this one will pop up in further books, but there are a lot of new possibilities now.
I didn't out and out sob reading this one, although the conversation between Rick and Jack almost did the trick. Keep the tissues handy, though. Just because I didn't weep uncontrollably doesn't mean my throat didn't tighten up at several moments. Your mileage may vary.
The best thing about this series is that you come to know the characters so well that, even if they just show up in the background you feel like you've really checked in with them. And you feel like the town's a part of your own experience, which is a very impressive accomplishment for Carr.
No, I didn't love this installment. I do love the series, though, and I'm anxious to move on to the next one. I'll get there, but after a few other books in the TBR. And I will definitely have the tissues in easy reach.
ETA: There are some mild spoilers in the comments.
August 29, 2015
2.5 stars
Having read many reviews of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series up to this book, I am aware that many readers have had problems with the prevalence of women’s health and pregnancy content throughout these books. Up until Second Change Pass, I did not count myself among their number.
With the central character of Mel being a nurse practitioner and midwife, I found it for the most part to be in keeping with her profession and if at times it could come across a little preachy, it never dimmed my enjoyment of the books, and I could even appreciate the realism of it on some level – until now.
As a mother, I have gone through the roller-coaster of pregnancy and breast-feeding etc. so I understand how messy, consuming and difficult these things can be. Like any woman, I have had to take responsibility for my health and endure intrusive and uncomfortable procedures. Apart from all that, I am a pretty broad-minded person and open to most things. But…
I think the author made a major misstep in this book. There was one particular scene that I found incredibly uncomfortable reading. Not uncomfortable in a challenging and thought-provoking way, but uncomfortable in a disturbing way. I didn’t expect to be confronted with that sort of scene, and in a romance novel of all things, and it left a very bad taste in my mouth (no pun intended).
That I will remember this novel most for that one scene is NOT a good thing. It still leaves me feeling disturbed to remember it and I think there were much better ways of handling that situation within the covers of this book. I can’t even begin to imagine how the readers who have had issues with the pregnancy/women’s health issues up to this point reacted to that scene.
Unfortunately, that was not my only problem with this book. This was supposed to be Vanni and Paul’s story, and I had issues with it at the outset. In Whispering Rock, pregnant Vanni’s husband Matt was killed in Iraq. His loyal best friend stepped in to support Vanni for the remaining two months of her pregnancy and the birth.
It is now 5 months since Matt’s death, the baby is 3 months old, and Vanni has decided that she is ready to move on with Matt’s best friend Paul – even though she doesn’t realise he has been in love with her since they met. I know grief is a very personal thing, but I couldn’t help feeling that 5 months was far too quick to be moving on so seriously. Not only that, but both Vanni and Matt’s families were actively wanting her to find someone new. Just wrong.
Apart from that, Vanni was a very moody and unappealing character. In fact, most of the female characters in this book were unlikable. Paul is in a complicated position with another woman, and she turns out to be a stereotypical bitch. Although her storyline played a significant role, she disappears entirely without her circumstances being resolved for the reader. Paul seemed like a nice guy, but even his character was fairly nondescript, and both he and Vanni disappeared from the story about two-thirds of the way through.
There was far too much going on in this one. Apart from Vanni and Paul, there were three other developing romances, lots of revisiting the existing couples with their own activities and drama, and also external events affecting the town. All the Virgin River novels always have a lot going on, but this one took it way too far.
All that said, I still love this series. I like Carr’s writing, I love the setting and most of the characters, and I will definitely be moving on with the rest of the series. I just hope this one was the only aberration.
Having read many reviews of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series up to this book, I am aware that many readers have had problems with the prevalence of women’s health and pregnancy content throughout these books. Up until Second Change Pass, I did not count myself among their number.
With the central character of Mel being a nurse practitioner and midwife, I found it for the most part to be in keeping with her profession and if at times it could come across a little preachy, it never dimmed my enjoyment of the books, and I could even appreciate the realism of it on some level – until now.
As a mother, I have gone through the roller-coaster of pregnancy and breast-feeding etc. so I understand how messy, consuming and difficult these things can be. Like any woman, I have had to take responsibility for my health and endure intrusive and uncomfortable procedures. Apart from all that, I am a pretty broad-minded person and open to most things. But…
I think the author made a major misstep in this book. There was one particular scene that I found incredibly uncomfortable reading. Not uncomfortable in a challenging and thought-provoking way, but uncomfortable in a disturbing way. I didn’t expect to be confronted with that sort of scene, and in a romance novel of all things, and it left a very bad taste in my mouth (no pun intended).
That I will remember this novel most for that one scene is NOT a good thing. It still leaves me feeling disturbed to remember it and I think there were much better ways of handling that situation within the covers of this book. I can’t even begin to imagine how the readers who have had issues with the pregnancy/women’s health issues up to this point reacted to that scene.
Unfortunately, that was not my only problem with this book. This was supposed to be Vanni and Paul’s story, and I had issues with it at the outset. In Whispering Rock, pregnant Vanni’s husband Matt was killed in Iraq. His loyal best friend stepped in to support Vanni for the remaining two months of her pregnancy and the birth.
It is now 5 months since Matt’s death, the baby is 3 months old, and Vanni has decided that she is ready to move on with Matt’s best friend Paul – even though she doesn’t realise he has been in love with her since they met. I know grief is a very personal thing, but I couldn’t help feeling that 5 months was far too quick to be moving on so seriously. Not only that, but both Vanni and Matt’s families were actively wanting her to find someone new. Just wrong.
Apart from that, Vanni was a very moody and unappealing character. In fact, most of the female characters in this book were unlikable. Paul is in a complicated position with another woman, and she turns out to be a stereotypical bitch. Although her storyline played a significant role, she disappears entirely without her circumstances being resolved for the reader. Paul seemed like a nice guy, but even his character was fairly nondescript, and both he and Vanni disappeared from the story about two-thirds of the way through.
There was far too much going on in this one. Apart from Vanni and Paul, there were three other developing romances, lots of revisiting the existing couples with their own activities and drama, and also external events affecting the town. All the Virgin River novels always have a lot going on, but this one took it way too far.
All that said, I still love this series. I like Carr’s writing, I love the setting and most of the characters, and I will definitely be moving on with the rest of the series. I just hope this one was the only aberration.
March 25, 2020
This one was a mess. I loved the first 3 books of the series, but this one was simply awful!
The heroine was a total bitch. She was rude, pushy, selfish, ungrateful, nosy and completely unfair. I simply couldn't stand her and I don't get how we're supposed to believe anyone else wants to be around her. Ugh! The hero was a pushover with no personality. The side-story on his side was cringy and totally unrealistic.
The fact that they got together just 2 months after Vanessa's husband's death (which coincided with her giving birth to his baby, too!) seemed strange and unrealistic. I think any mom of such a young baby would be focusing on maternity rather than pining for someone and trying to settle her love life, let alone a recent widow. And this one was even actively throwing herself at the man and banging him over the head for taking so long to make a move on her! Unbelievable!
The heroines from previous books behaved unnecessarily disrespectful, rude and bitchy toward their spouses as well. Especially Mel. It felt like she doesn't appreciate Jack at all! He's such an amazing husband and he doesn't deserve such treatment! Major disappointment.
The bridesmaid side-story was super-cringy as well. The dude was a total gentleman and everyone ganged up on him for no reason. The girl behaved like an idiot. Why he would want anything to do with such a crazy person after being put through all of this is beyond me.
The heroine was a total bitch. She was rude, pushy, selfish, ungrateful, nosy and completely unfair. I simply couldn't stand her and I don't get how we're supposed to believe anyone else wants to be around her. Ugh! The hero was a pushover with no personality. The side-story on his side was cringy and totally unrealistic.
The fact that they got together just 2 months after Vanessa's husband's death (which coincided with her giving birth to his baby, too!) seemed strange and unrealistic. I think any mom of such a young baby would be focusing on maternity rather than pining for someone and trying to settle her love life, let alone a recent widow. And this one was even actively throwing herself at the man and banging him over the head for taking so long to make a move on her! Unbelievable!
The heroines from previous books behaved unnecessarily disrespectful, rude and bitchy toward their spouses as well. Especially Mel. It felt like she doesn't appreciate Jack at all! He's such an amazing husband and he doesn't deserve such treatment! Major disappointment.
The bridesmaid side-story was super-cringy as well. The dude was a total gentleman and everyone ganged up on him for no reason. The girl behaved like an idiot. Why he would want anything to do with such a crazy person after being put through all of this is beyond me.
August 19, 2022
4 Estrellitas. No sé muy bien cómo describir el libro, porque ha sido un cúmulo de cosas que me han tenido enganchada perdida a las tramas y sin poder parar de leer hasta que lo he acabado.
"Siempre fiel" es el 5° libro de la serie Virgin River. Pero de nuevo, Robyn Carr no se centrará sólo en la pareja protagonista, si no que desarrollará una serie de subtramas con otras parejas, antiguas o nuevas, mientras vamos viendo cómo la vida sigue en Virgin River.
Ésta vez el protagonismo lo tienen Paul Haggerty y Vanessa Rutledge. A ambos los conocimos en el tercer libro. Paul era uno de los marines amigo de Jack que había ido a Virgin River para ayudar a construir la casa nueva de Jack. Vanessa era la mujer de Matt, el mejor amigo de Paul, que acababa de fallecer en Irak mientras Vanny estaba esperando a su primer hijo.
Siendo viuda reciente, me ha sorprendido que a los dos meses de haber dado a luz, Vanny se haya sobrepuesto de su tragedia como para pensar en enamorarse de nuevo. No soy nada tradicionalista, pero siempre he visto el luto como una muestra de respeto y apenas han pasado cuatro meses desde el fallecimiento de su esposo y Vanny ya está dispuesta a rehacer su vida. Personalmente, hubiese preferido que Robyn Carr esperase dos o tres libros para darle a ésta pareja su historia.
Cuando el libro empieza, el pequeño Matt acaba de nacer. Paul prometió a su amigo que cuidaría y apoyaría a su mujer; pero la verdad es que Paul ha estado enamorado de Vanessa desde la primera vez que la vio, pero Matt se le adelantó y acabó casándose con Vanessa. Paul piensa que hay algo mal con él, que es tímido y no sabe tratar a las mujeres. Una vez vuelve Paul a su ciudad, tras el nacimiento del pequeño Matt, Paul se mete en un brete del que lo costará salir, justo cuando pensaba que podría haber algo entre Vanessa y él.
Y sí, Vanessa está preparada para enamorarse de nuevo, y está segura de que Paul es ése hombre del que podría enamorarse y que trataría a su hijo como si fuese su padre verdadero. Pero desde el nacimiento del pequeño Matt, Paul ha estado comportándose de manera rara, como si no quisiera saber nada de Vanessa.
Una serie de malentendidos pondrán a los personajes sobre alerta, y otros intentarán liarlos con otras personas, pero si algo saben Paul y Vanessa es que se aman mutuamente, aunque ninguno ha dado aún el primer paso y sólo les falta empuje.
Si bien la relación de ellos me ha gustado, no ha terminado de cuajarme que haya ido todo tan rápido. El enamoramiento de Paul lo puedo entender, pues lleva enamorado de Vanessa desde que la conoció. Ha sido por parte de Vanessa que me ha costado más entenderlo, en apenas dos meses ha perdido a su marido y ha dado a luz, e inmediatamente ya está preparada para dejar a Matt enterrado para siempre y volver a rehacer su vida... no sé, me ha chirriado. Además la autora termina su felices para siempre demasiado pronto, a la mitad del libro su trama ya está cerrada para centrarse en las tramas secundarias del resto de personajes.
Jack y Mel volverán a aparecer y mucho, y por ahí no me quejo, me encantan, la personalidad de Mel me parece arrolladora y me encantan los capítulos que protagoniza, tanto verla trabajando como traer niños al mundo. También tendremos nuestro pedacito de Paige y Predicador trayendo un cachito de vida encantador que me ha hecho derramar más de una lagrimilla.
Y esto no será todo, el padre de Vanessa, el general retirado Walt y el hermano menor de ésta Tom, también tendrán su propia historia. La del general me ha sorprendido y me ha llegado a la patata, y con Tom y su joven corazón he sufrido tanto como con Ricky.
En el fondo la vida en Virgin River sigue y me tiene tan enganchadita como la serie de Netflix (de la que sólo he visto las 2 primeras temporadas aún), pero leyendo los libros te das cuenta de las diferencias y las similitudes y como las cosas que ocurren en los libros las adaptan a la serie.
De momento los libros siguen gustándome y estoy segura de que seguiré leyéndolos en cuanto pueda.
"Siempre fiel" es el 5° libro de la serie Virgin River. Pero de nuevo, Robyn Carr no se centrará sólo en la pareja protagonista, si no que desarrollará una serie de subtramas con otras parejas, antiguas o nuevas, mientras vamos viendo cómo la vida sigue en Virgin River.
Ésta vez el protagonismo lo tienen Paul Haggerty y Vanessa Rutledge. A ambos los conocimos en el tercer libro. Paul era uno de los marines amigo de Jack que había ido a Virgin River para ayudar a construir la casa nueva de Jack. Vanessa era la mujer de Matt, el mejor amigo de Paul, que acababa de fallecer en Irak mientras Vanny estaba esperando a su primer hijo.
Siendo viuda reciente, me ha sorprendido que a los dos meses de haber dado a luz, Vanny se haya sobrepuesto de su tragedia como para pensar en enamorarse de nuevo. No soy nada tradicionalista, pero siempre he visto el luto como una muestra de respeto y apenas han pasado cuatro meses desde el fallecimiento de su esposo y Vanny ya está dispuesta a rehacer su vida. Personalmente, hubiese preferido que Robyn Carr esperase dos o tres libros para darle a ésta pareja su historia.
Cuando el libro empieza, el pequeño Matt acaba de nacer. Paul prometió a su amigo que cuidaría y apoyaría a su mujer; pero la verdad es que Paul ha estado enamorado de Vanessa desde la primera vez que la vio, pero Matt se le adelantó y acabó casándose con Vanessa. Paul piensa que hay algo mal con él, que es tímido y no sabe tratar a las mujeres. Una vez vuelve Paul a su ciudad, tras el nacimiento del pequeño Matt, Paul se mete en un brete del que lo costará salir, justo cuando pensaba que podría haber algo entre Vanessa y él.
Y sí, Vanessa está preparada para enamorarse de nuevo, y está segura de que Paul es ése hombre del que podría enamorarse y que trataría a su hijo como si fuese su padre verdadero. Pero desde el nacimiento del pequeño Matt, Paul ha estado comportándose de manera rara, como si no quisiera saber nada de Vanessa.
Una serie de malentendidos pondrán a los personajes sobre alerta, y otros intentarán liarlos con otras personas, pero si algo saben Paul y Vanessa es que se aman mutuamente, aunque ninguno ha dado aún el primer paso y sólo les falta empuje.
Si bien la relación de ellos me ha gustado, no ha terminado de cuajarme que haya ido todo tan rápido. El enamoramiento de Paul lo puedo entender, pues lleva enamorado de Vanessa desde que la conoció. Ha sido por parte de Vanessa que me ha costado más entenderlo, en apenas dos meses ha perdido a su marido y ha dado a luz, e inmediatamente ya está preparada para dejar a Matt enterrado para siempre y volver a rehacer su vida... no sé, me ha chirriado. Además la autora termina su felices para siempre demasiado pronto, a la mitad del libro su trama ya está cerrada para centrarse en las tramas secundarias del resto de personajes.
Jack y Mel volverán a aparecer y mucho, y por ahí no me quejo, me encantan, la personalidad de Mel me parece arrolladora y me encantan los capítulos que protagoniza, tanto verla trabajando como traer niños al mundo. También tendremos nuestro pedacito de Paige y Predicador trayendo un cachito de vida encantador que me ha hecho derramar más de una lagrimilla.
Y esto no será todo, el padre de Vanessa, el general retirado Walt y el hermano menor de ésta Tom, también tendrán su propia historia. La del general me ha sorprendido y me ha llegado a la patata, y con Tom y su joven corazón he sufrido tanto como con Ricky.
En el fondo la vida en Virgin River sigue y me tiene tan enganchadita como la serie de Netflix (de la que sólo he visto las 2 primeras temporadas aún), pero leyendo los libros te das cuenta de las diferencias y las similitudes y como las cosas que ocurren en los libros las adaptan a la serie.
De momento los libros siguen gustándome y estoy segura de que seguiré leyéndolos en cuanto pueda.
October 9, 2014
5+ stars – Contemporary Romance
Second Chance Pass is another bittersweet, heartrending addition to the engaging Virgin River series, with its portrayal of quaint small town community life, soap opera worthy drama, quirky characters, love, and humor.
This one had multiple storylines going on involving all the previous characters, as well as some newly introduced characters. The focus couple, Vanni and Paul, faces some rather tough challenges to find their HEA, including Paul’s reluctance to admit his longstanding love for Vanni, a sexy doctor pursuing Vanni, her temper and stubbornness, their collective guilt over moving on after Matt’s death, and an unplanned pregnancy with one of Paul’s former lovers. They are probably my least favorite couple of the series, but luckily there’s plenty of romance and drama with the other couples to make up for it.
Mel and Jack endure some tough, heartbreaking struggles in this one that had me in tears. Their intense devotion to each other and profound love is the foundation for the entire series, so I was glad their ongoing storyline was a large part of this book. There is also some touching moments between Rick and Jack during Rick’s visit to Virgin River and his subsequent leave for Iraq.
Preacher and Paige are one of my favorite couples, and the scenes involving Preacher’s overprotectiveness of Paige during her pregnancy and delivery were hysterical and sweet. I also enjoyed the budding teen romance between Tom and Brenda, and the part where Tom gets sex advice from his older sister Vanni is soooo funny...and it sure pays off nicely with a big-O for Brenda!
I enjoyed the romance between Paul’s ex-marine buddy Joe and Vanni’s best friend and maid of honor Nikki (even more than the main couple) and hope their relationship gets more development and face time in future books because Joe is a total dreamboat!
There are babies born, near deaths for a couple of the main characters, a deployment to Iraq, and dangerous wildfires that threaten the town...whew...enough drama for a soap opera! But through it all, there’s the romance, humor, love, friendships, and tight community that makes the series so great! Another big 5 stars!
Second Chance Pass is another bittersweet, heartrending addition to the engaging Virgin River series, with its portrayal of quaint small town community life, soap opera worthy drama, quirky characters, love, and humor.
This one had multiple storylines going on involving all the previous characters, as well as some newly introduced characters. The focus couple, Vanni and Paul, faces some rather tough challenges to find their HEA, including Paul’s reluctance to admit his longstanding love for Vanni, a sexy doctor pursuing Vanni, her temper and stubbornness, their collective guilt over moving on after Matt’s death, and an unplanned pregnancy with one of Paul’s former lovers. They are probably my least favorite couple of the series, but luckily there’s plenty of romance and drama with the other couples to make up for it.
Mel and Jack endure some tough, heartbreaking struggles in this one that had me in tears. Their intense devotion to each other and profound love is the foundation for the entire series, so I was glad their ongoing storyline was a large part of this book. There is also some touching moments between Rick and Jack during Rick’s visit to Virgin River and his subsequent leave for Iraq.
Preacher and Paige are one of my favorite couples, and the scenes involving Preacher’s overprotectiveness of Paige during her pregnancy and delivery were hysterical and sweet. I also enjoyed the budding teen romance between Tom and Brenda, and the part where Tom gets sex advice from his older sister Vanni is soooo funny...and it sure pays off nicely with a big-O for Brenda!
I enjoyed the romance between Paul’s ex-marine buddy Joe and Vanni’s best friend and maid of honor Nikki (even more than the main couple) and hope their relationship gets more development and face time in future books because Joe is a total dreamboat!
There are babies born, near deaths for a couple of the main characters, a deployment to Iraq, and dangerous wildfires that threaten the town...whew...enough drama for a soap opera! But through it all, there’s the romance, humor, love, friendships, and tight community that makes the series so great! Another big 5 stars!
August 1, 2010
Well, not what I expected at all. This series has made a turn I'm not interested about. I really wanted to like this books because for me books 1,2 and 4 were amazing. But book 3 and this one were not good.
First, I got extremely bored with the beginning of the book. As Vanni and Paul knew so well each other we did not have all those moments where the main couple gets to know each other, which are the best IMHO. Then they were constantly complaining and searching for reasons not to be together. I mean at the beginning it was bearable because you could sympathize with them for all they had went trough, but after 250 pages in the same way you get so annoyed you just wanna burn up the book.
Then there was the fact that we got to read more about Jack and Mel in this book than even the main couple. I mean, their book was great, my fav so far, but it is over. She should not spend so many pages with couples that already got their HEA. Getting flashes from previous couples is cute, but reading half a book about them is boring as hell. We already read their HEAs so why read half a book about them?
I don't know I just think that she should focus much more in the main couple. Same thing happened with me in book 3, I felt like I wanted to read much more about the main couple but couldn't. I just hope next book is better, I will give this series another try because so far I have liked more books in it than not. But if next is as this one this will be the end of this series for me. It has never happened to me that in a same series I love some books and hate others,lol, this is the first time. I only gave this book 2 stars because I still love everything about Virgin River and the boys in there. I think the plot is terrific and the whole thing is great, I just don't like how the author focuses some of her stories.
First, I got extremely bored with the beginning of the book. As Vanni and Paul knew so well each other we did not have all those moments where the main couple gets to know each other, which are the best IMHO. Then they were constantly complaining and searching for reasons not to be together. I mean at the beginning it was bearable because you could sympathize with them for all they had went trough, but after 250 pages in the same way you get so annoyed you just wanna burn up the book.
Then there was the fact that we got to read more about Jack and Mel in this book than even the main couple. I mean, their book was great, my fav so far, but it is over. She should not spend so many pages with couples that already got their HEA. Getting flashes from previous couples is cute, but reading half a book about them is boring as hell. We already read their HEAs so why read half a book about them?
I don't know I just think that she should focus much more in the main couple. Same thing happened with me in book 3, I felt like I wanted to read much more about the main couple but couldn't. I just hope next book is better, I will give this series another try because so far I have liked more books in it than not. But if next is as this one this will be the end of this series for me. It has never happened to me that in a same series I love some books and hate others,lol, this is the first time. I only gave this book 2 stars because I still love everything about Virgin River and the boys in there. I think the plot is terrific and the whole thing is great, I just don't like how the author focuses some of her stories.
June 14, 2022
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 5th book in the Virgin River series. I have read and reviewed the first four books in this series, and I really feel you need to read this book in order not as a standalone. This book has a lot of follow up on the characters from the other books at the end, and I really enjoyed getting some time with the other characters. My favorite part of this book is the follow up with the characters, and the end of the book. I found the romance in this book to be not my favorite. The romance was so slow moving, and the characters really just needed to talk to each other. I read this book via Kindle Unlimited/Library and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
September 1, 2022
I have loved every one of the Virgin River books. They never disappoint. I love all the characters and I want to live in Virgin Rivers really bad. The small town close nit family feel is perfect. I highly recommend this whole series.
July 24, 2021
I am amazed it's taken quite a while to get back to the residents of Virgin River. Although what I term as fluffy it was a great story, made all the better by an excellent narrator - Therese Plummer brings the story to life and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
If you love Jill Shavis' Lucky Harbor and Susan Mallery's Fools Gold then it's time you planned a trip to Virgin River.
If you love Jill Shavis' Lucky Harbor and Susan Mallery's Fools Gold then it's time you planned a trip to Virgin River.
November 18, 2009
Second Chance Pass is the 5th and IMO the most touching story in the Virgin River series to date. It also reaffirmed my belief that Jack Sheridan is the best hero to have ever graced the pages of a romance novel. Not one to slink away quietly after his story was showcased in Virgin River (book 1 of the series), Jack and his wife Mel have continued to figure prominently in each book since...particularly in this one. Jack's love and appreciation for his close friends and family, his over-the-top insane love for Mel and his babies, his zest for life...has me with my fingers crossed that he continues starring (or at least co-starring) in the remaining installments of the VR series. He can evoke so much emotion from me it's pathetic. Then again, how can anyone stay dry-eyed when Jack is praying to God - begging, actually - for Him not to take Mel when she is hemorrhaging after childbirth (although he didn't live up to his side of the bargain by donating a million dollars to the church lol).
SCP is supposed to "star" Paul & Vanessa, yet they are easily upstaged by the other couples. Vanni was a bit of an ill-tempered shrew and Paul was Mr. Everydayguy so they didn't spark a lot of excitement. And, no matter how much they tried to justify it, their relationship had a bit of an "ick" factor attached. I was much more interested in the Joe/Nikki hookup, the Rick/Liz buildup, the Tom/Brenda separation and the Walt/Muriel possibility. Add to that the continuing, never-a-dull-moment stories of Jack/Melinda, John/Paige, Mike/Bree, then wondering about a Cam/Teri possibility or perhaps a Cam/Shelby match because Cameron is just too damn good-looking to go without his own story, plus visits from the Doc, Hope and the stranger in the black SUV (out of breath) well...I was completely able to stick Paul & Vanessa into the nether parts of my mind and not drop the book to 4 stars.
Normally, I am distracted by a "clutter" of characters in a romance novel...too many introductions, too many sideshows...never as interesting as the hero and heroine. Even Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whom I love but who always weaves a terribly long side story, has me skimming pages to get back to the leading H/h story. Robyn Carr, however, can introduce 10 new characters with 5 separate stories, add the 5 or so relationships she has already established, put them all under one cover and actually make it work. No clutter at all!
Have I scared you off because it sounds so bloody overwhelming? It really isn't. Carr gives you small doses at a time...introduces new characters by easing them in instead of focusing on them. And, before you know what's hit you, you've become a part of the Virgin River community as well. You can see the beautiful, untouched land that surrounds the town, the brilliant sky jamb-packed with stars. You want to know what Preacher is making for dinner...if anyone is up for a little fly-fishing...if Joe really slept with Vanessa's maid of honor. LOL If you've ever followed a soap opera on TV, this series gives you that same feeling of eagerness/anxiety/anticipation of what lies ahead. However, unlike Pine Valley, where everyone is sleeping with everyone else's wife, brother, best friend or Erica Kane, Virgin River residents are loyal to love & practice fidelity (so far). They also have no problem keeping the bedroom door open for the readers. (This ain't no Christian Romance!)
Overall, this series is primarily based on one ex-Marine sargeant's fabulous story and the sub-stories of the men who served in his regiment. Big, handsome, strong, honest men who are tighter than brothers, a little wild and a lot single...until they make their way to Virgin River where destiny awaits each of them in the form of a woman who will become the mother of his children and the greatest love of his life.
LOL, I guess you can tell I'm psyched about this series and urge those of you that haven't read it to give it a go someday. You'll be lining up to thank me for the rec! :D
SCP is supposed to "star" Paul & Vanessa, yet they are easily upstaged by the other couples. Vanni was a bit of an ill-tempered shrew and Paul was Mr. Everydayguy so they didn't spark a lot of excitement. And, no matter how much they tried to justify it, their relationship had a bit of an "ick" factor attached. I was much more interested in the Joe/Nikki hookup, the Rick/Liz buildup, the Tom/Brenda separation and the Walt/Muriel possibility. Add to that the continuing, never-a-dull-moment stories of Jack/Melinda, John/Paige, Mike/Bree, then wondering about a Cam/Teri possibility or perhaps a Cam/Shelby match because Cameron is just too damn good-looking to go without his own story, plus visits from the Doc, Hope and the stranger in the black SUV (out of breath) well...I was completely able to stick Paul & Vanessa into the nether parts of my mind and not drop the book to 4 stars.
Normally, I am distracted by a "clutter" of characters in a romance novel...too many introductions, too many sideshows...never as interesting as the hero and heroine. Even Susan Elizabeth Phillips, whom I love but who always weaves a terribly long side story, has me skimming pages to get back to the leading H/h story. Robyn Carr, however, can introduce 10 new characters with 5 separate stories, add the 5 or so relationships she has already established, put them all under one cover and actually make it work. No clutter at all!
Have I scared you off because it sounds so bloody overwhelming? It really isn't. Carr gives you small doses at a time...introduces new characters by easing them in instead of focusing on them. And, before you know what's hit you, you've become a part of the Virgin River community as well. You can see the beautiful, untouched land that surrounds the town, the brilliant sky jamb-packed with stars. You want to know what Preacher is making for dinner...if anyone is up for a little fly-fishing...if Joe really slept with Vanessa's maid of honor. LOL If you've ever followed a soap opera on TV, this series gives you that same feeling of eagerness/anxiety/anticipation of what lies ahead. However, unlike Pine Valley, where everyone is sleeping with everyone else's wife, brother, best friend or Erica Kane, Virgin River residents are loyal to love & practice fidelity (so far). They also have no problem keeping the bedroom door open for the readers. (This ain't no Christian Romance!)
Overall, this series is primarily based on one ex-Marine sargeant's fabulous story and the sub-stories of the men who served in his regiment. Big, handsome, strong, honest men who are tighter than brothers, a little wild and a lot single...until they make their way to Virgin River where destiny awaits each of them in the form of a woman who will become the mother of his children and the greatest love of his life.
LOL, I guess you can tell I'm psyched about this series and urge those of you that haven't read it to give it a go someday. You'll be lining up to thank me for the rec! :D
January 26, 2009
Loved it! As I read in another review, reading a Virgin River book is like visiting old friends. It was so neat to catch up with characters from previous books. This is NOT a stand alone and not to be read by someone without having read the earlier books, IMHO. There should be a big #5 written along the cover!
I've been anticipating reading the story for Vanessa and Paul since they were first introduced earlier in the series. Vanessa's husband was killed in Iraq while she was on the last trimester of their pregnancy. Paul was her husband's best friend and her close friend and they became closer getting through those horrible days. This book picks up on their story and has their relationship developing into love. A lot of complications for them and I was glued to the book to see how they would resolve them.
As typical with Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, which also includes characters from her Grace Valley Trilogy--the true beginning of this series--she includes past characters, various town members, real-life situations of heartache, heartbreak, and love all packed in this "little" (389 page) continuation.
Mel and Jack (whom I consider to be the overall main characters of this series) are in this one--a lot. Even Mel's sister puts in an appearance. We are updated with Brie & Mike, Preacher (John) & Paige, Rick(y) & Lizzy (they finally get their story in #7), some new characters, Cameron (the pediatrician), Joe (architect) & Nikki, Tom (Vanessa's young brother going off to West Point) & Brenda (who was raped in an earlier book), The General & his new lady, and many more.
The General (Walt) had me cackling out loud many times. Loved his sense of style, humor and tact. Old goat!
Very nicely written. The only thing I didn't care for was the detailed construction plans for all the new building. For me, that was more than I needed to know, but overall the book was "most excellent."
Another favorite for This Reader.
I've been anticipating reading the story for Vanessa and Paul since they were first introduced earlier in the series. Vanessa's husband was killed in Iraq while she was on the last trimester of their pregnancy. Paul was her husband's best friend and her close friend and they became closer getting through those horrible days. This book picks up on their story and has their relationship developing into love. A lot of complications for them and I was glued to the book to see how they would resolve them.
As typical with Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, which also includes characters from her Grace Valley Trilogy--the true beginning of this series--she includes past characters, various town members, real-life situations of heartache, heartbreak, and love all packed in this "little" (389 page) continuation.
Mel and Jack (whom I consider to be the overall main characters of this series) are in this one--a lot. Even Mel's sister puts in an appearance. We are updated with Brie & Mike, Preacher (John) & Paige, Rick(y) & Lizzy (they finally get their story in #7), some new characters, Cameron (the pediatrician), Joe (architect) & Nikki, Tom (Vanessa's young brother going off to West Point) & Brenda (who was raped in an earlier book), The General & his new lady, and many more.
The General (Walt) had me cackling out loud many times. Loved his sense of style, humor and tact. Old goat!
Very nicely written. The only thing I didn't care for was the detailed construction plans for all the new building. For me, that was more than I needed to know, but overall the book was "most excellent."
Another favorite for This Reader.
February 15, 2021
Second Chance Pass was another wonderful addition to the Virgin River series. It is so good to read about all of these great characters again. This book had some new characters, and there were so many relationships going that at times it was almost overwhelming. I loved it anyway! I enjoyed reading about Paul and Vanni, and was delighted to see what a large role Jack and Mel played in this book. I am anxiously waiting to see these beloved characters again in the novels that will be released in the next two months.
This book has the story of Paul and his best friend's widow, Vanni. Paul and Vanni have strong feelings for one another, but they both believe the other sees the relationship as just a close friendship. As Paul decides to confront Vanni with his feelings, a development in his life provides complications. He has to work to steer his life in the direction he wants it to take so that he and Vanni can have a fulfilling life together. The characters from the first three Virgin River novels are all present, and Jack and Mel play a prominent role as they prepare for the arrival of their second child. New characters give rise to several secondary romances. Rick briefly visits Virgin River, and all of the marine buddies again congregate. As usual, the characters bond together to do anything they can for one another.
The Virgin River series has strong characters that are comforting to revisit. Second Chance Pass has several good storylines, and some interesting new characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Paul and Vanni, and I thought that the situations faced by Jack and Mel were both poignant and sometimes heartbreaking. I absolutely couldn't put this book down, and loved this glimpse of life in Virgin River.
This book has the story of Paul and his best friend's widow, Vanni. Paul and Vanni have strong feelings for one another, but they both believe the other sees the relationship as just a close friendship. As Paul decides to confront Vanni with his feelings, a development in his life provides complications. He has to work to steer his life in the direction he wants it to take so that he and Vanni can have a fulfilling life together. The characters from the first three Virgin River novels are all present, and Jack and Mel play a prominent role as they prepare for the arrival of their second child. New characters give rise to several secondary romances. Rick briefly visits Virgin River, and all of the marine buddies again congregate. As usual, the characters bond together to do anything they can for one another.
The Virgin River series has strong characters that are comforting to revisit. Second Chance Pass has several good storylines, and some interesting new characters. I enjoyed the relationship between Paul and Vanni, and I thought that the situations faced by Jack and Mel were both poignant and sometimes heartbreaking. I absolutely couldn't put this book down, and loved this glimpse of life in Virgin River.
October 4, 2022
For me, the highlight of this book was Preacher and Paige having their baby. I would give that part a five star review by itself.
Vanessa's and Paul's portion of the story - 1.5 Stars
Preacher's and Paige's - 5 Stars
Unfortunately, I very much dislike (okay, hate) the trope where a woman tries to trap a man into marriage or child support by telling him her pregnancy is by him. This happened right after he re-met his one true love.
This book is about Vanessa and Paul and I didn't care for their part of the story nor did I care for Vanessa. Other than that part of the story, I loved catching up with old friends. Oh my gosh...Preacher just cracks me up.
Vanessa's and Paul's portion of the story - 1.5 Stars
Preacher's and Paige's - 5 Stars
Unfortunately, I very much dislike (okay, hate) the trope where a woman tries to trap a man into marriage or child support by telling him her pregnancy is by him. This happened right after he re-met his one true love.
This book is about Vanessa and Paul and I didn't care for their part of the story nor did I care for Vanessa. Other than that part of the story, I loved catching up with old friends. Oh my gosh...Preacher just cracks me up.
May 26, 2021
I listened to the audio version and it was really good. But, all the ANGST makes this a really bad book, IMO. I came really close to DNF on this one at the first chapter, but I needed an audio book and this one was on my "to Read" list and the one I wanted was not available. This series is sooooo full of angst and it is sooooo not my taste in romance. The primary couple, Vannie and Paul, took up maybe a quarter of the page total. The rest was filled with everyone else in Virgin River and some real tense times for Mel and Jack. I like the updates, but the book seemed a little crowded.
3 1/2-Stars
3 1/2-Stars
December 14, 2016
Second Chance Pass es el quinto libro de la serie Virgin River creada por Robyn Carr y tiene como protagonistas a Vanessa y Paul, personajes secundarios en el libro anterior.
Antes de iniciar la lectura supe que no seria mi libro favorito, no me suelen gustar mucho las historias en las que " el protagonista se enamora de la esposa de su amigo muerto " pero recientemente lei un libro con una trama parecida y me sorprendio gratamente, por lo que pense que quizas esta historia me sorprenderia tambien pero la verdad es que me parecio un poco demasiado fantasiosa.
No en la trama en si, ya que puedo llegar a comprender que Paul se enamore de la esposa de su amigo, lo que me parecio inverosimil fue la forma de actuar de los personajes, como todo el mundo se tomo tan bien que ellos se casaran cuando habia pasado tan poco tiempo de la muerte de Matt ( incluso sus ex suegros ), sobre todo si partimos del echo de que viven en un pueblo rural en el que por lo general los habitantes son bastante " anticuados ".
Otro aspecto que no me convencio fue el ritmo de la historia, la primera mitad se me hizo eterna, sentia que la trama no terminaba de arrancar o quizas no era el ritmo sino que la pareja protagonistas no tenia la quimica que han tenido las parejas anteriores, sea cual sea la razon este libro no quedara entre mis favoritos de la saga.
2 Estrellas!
January 16, 2025
Book five in an ongoing series. Each of the first four books more-or-less focuses on a new couple, and while this one introduces a new love interest for one previously single ex-marine, it is mostly about catching up with characters from the first three books, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Curiously, Marcia and Ian from 'A Virgin River Christmas' are nowhere to be found.
What you will find are babies, a marriage, a meet-cute with steamy intimate moments and a threat for the community to band together against.
If you've enjoyed the preceding books in the series, you will like this one. Do not start with this book, as everyone has a history and a backstory, and not knowing them will likely make it hard to enjoy this volume. And if you're coming to Second Chance Pass from the TV dramatisation of this series, you'll find several characters not in the show and a couple who are substantially different to their on-screen counterparts.
What you will find are babies, a marriage, a meet-cute with steamy intimate moments and a threat for the community to band together against.
If you've enjoyed the preceding books in the series, you will like this one. Do not start with this book, as everyone has a history and a backstory, and not knowing them will likely make it hard to enjoy this volume. And if you're coming to Second Chance Pass from the TV dramatisation of this series, you'll find several characters not in the show and a couple who are substantially different to their on-screen counterparts.
February 9, 2017
2 Stars
This book didn't work for me. I didn't like the hero or heroine and felt there were way too many POVs. To top it off, the plot was all over the place. Still, I enjoy this series as a whole. You just can't love them all.
These books are the perfect "getting into the holiday spirit" type of read. They have a quaint, almost Hallmark-movie type feel to them that leaves me feeling uplifted. That said, I don't think I'd have the patience to read them, as they're not as couple centered as I prefer in my romances. However, I've loved listening to them as I go about my day.
This book didn't work for me. I didn't like the hero or heroine and felt there were way too many POVs. To top it off, the plot was all over the place. Still, I enjoy this series as a whole. You just can't love them all.
These books are the perfect "getting into the holiday spirit" type of read. They have a quaint, almost Hallmark-movie type feel to them that leaves me feeling uplifted. That said, I don't think I'd have the patience to read them, as they're not as couple centered as I prefer in my romances. However, I've loved listening to them as I go about my day.
April 4, 2009
I am a romance novel junkie, but not only do I like my men idealistic, I like them realistic as well. Unfortunately Robyn Carr does not deliver. She cannot write men and she shows this in this novel. I grew up with only uncles, a brother, and a father; and I know how men act and this is just not it. I understand wanting to create an "ideal" man, but I guess Ms. Carr and I have different ideas as to what an ideal man is.
January 9, 2020
In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son--breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love. But the one man she longs to share this love with now acts as if she doesn't exist.
Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Semper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he's done right by Matt's widow as best he can...considering he's been secretly in love with her for years. Now, just as he's about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him--a claim that will be tough to escape.
With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.
This was my favorite of the series so far. SOO MUCH GOING ON in this installment! I kept rating the previous books a 4 or 4.5 stars and here we are at book 5, and I have come to the realization that ... im hooked.
So its time to start rating these little addictions 5 stars. I may never read this series again but its just something I am really enjoying right now!
So about the book... it was amazing with twists and turns throughout. I loved the main characters of this book and had no idea how Paul was going to get himself out of the mess that he made. I love that all the other characters from each book join the new books and are still living their best life and get to see whats going on in their world, while learning about the new people. Looking forward to book 6 !!
Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Semper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he's done right by Matt's widow as best he can...considering he's been secretly in love with her for years. Now, just as he's about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him--a claim that will be tough to escape.
With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.
This was my favorite of the series so far. SOO MUCH GOING ON in this installment! I kept rating the previous books a 4 or 4.5 stars and here we are at book 5, and I have come to the realization that ... im hooked.
So its time to start rating these little addictions 5 stars. I may never read this series again but its just something I am really enjoying right now!
So about the book... it was amazing with twists and turns throughout. I loved the main characters of this book and had no idea how Paul was going to get himself out of the mess that he made. I love that all the other characters from each book join the new books and are still living their best life and get to see whats going on in their world, while learning about the new people. Looking forward to book 6 !!
July 28, 2021
Volvemos a tener una pareja central Vanni y Paul, su amistad pasa a mayores, cosa que era de prever, pero es una historia bonita y creíble, hay mucha gente que sale con el amig@ de su ex...
Aquí tenemos un tira y afloja por que hay sentimientos que no se dicen y entonces todo se malinterpreta, se pierde el tiempo...etc.. Algo más que una amistad desde que se conocieron estaba ahí latente esperando el momento de salir.
Como trasfondo podemos sacar que es imprescindible tomar muchas precauciones en el sexo, tanto para evitar enfermedades como embarazos no deseados...
Más en mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
Aquí tenemos un tira y afloja por que hay sentimientos que no se dicen y entonces todo se malinterpreta, se pierde el tiempo...etc.. Algo más que una amistad desde que se conocieron estaba ahí latente esperando el momento de salir.
Como trasfondo podemos sacar que es imprescindible tomar muchas precauciones en el sexo, tanto para evitar enfermedades como embarazos no deseados...
Más en mi blog: https://lecturasdemarichu.blogspot.co...
January 26, 2009
How to describe Robyn Carr's Second Chance Pass? I would have to say it's like a hokey, slice of life wholesome soap opera based in a little mountain town in Northern California. It's a place where no one uses birth control. LOL. Also, almost every storyline in this book has it's roots in previous books so I don't recommend starting with this book if you are new to the Virgin River series.
Second Chance Pass has a lot of different storylines going on and this time around it didn't work for me as well as it did in the first three books. I think I enjoyed the one storyline from A Virgin River Christmas too much. I felt like I was just getting comfortable with a couple and then it would fade to black and then I would be starting anew with a different couple. Our spotlight couple, Paul and Vanessa definitely start off with some problems and that's not even including the little bundle of joy Paul has got going on. I was really looking forward to seeing how their story would unfold but then after I got to know Vanessa, I lost interest. She's kind of a......bitch. I'm blaming most of my disinterest on her shoulders. I just didn't care for Vanessa and Paul seemed too blah. I also didn't like what happened with Paul and his baby's mama. I kind of wondered what was the whole point.
The best part of this book was definitely Preacher and Paige and Tom and Brenda. Tom and Brenda's first time will have you rolling with laughter. If only all seventeen year olds guys could have older sisters who could teach them the Joys of Sex. Preacher and Paige are as lovable and wonderful as always and I loved it whenever they were front and center.
Bottom line, I liked this book and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book. The excerpt I read of Shelby and Luke Riordan looks good and I can't wait. Just for some reason this book didn't resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. Not even Mel or Jack could liven this book up. I'm giving it 4 stars because of Tom and Brenda and Preacher and Paige. IMHO They were the best things about this book and I wish they had more screen time.
Second Chance Pass has a lot of different storylines going on and this time around it didn't work for me as well as it did in the first three books. I think I enjoyed the one storyline from A Virgin River Christmas too much. I felt like I was just getting comfortable with a couple and then it would fade to black and then I would be starting anew with a different couple. Our spotlight couple, Paul and Vanessa definitely start off with some problems and that's not even including the little bundle of joy Paul has got going on. I was really looking forward to seeing how their story would unfold but then after I got to know Vanessa, I lost interest. She's kind of a......bitch. I'm blaming most of my disinterest on her shoulders. I just didn't care for Vanessa and Paul seemed too blah. I also didn't like what happened with Paul and his baby's mama. I kind of wondered what was the whole point.
The best part of this book was definitely Preacher and Paige and Tom and Brenda. Tom and Brenda's first time will have you rolling with laughter. If only all seventeen year olds guys could have older sisters who could teach them the Joys of Sex. Preacher and Paige are as lovable and wonderful as always and I loved it whenever they were front and center.
Bottom line, I liked this book and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book. The excerpt I read of Shelby and Luke Riordan looks good and I can't wait. Just for some reason this book didn't resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. Not even Mel or Jack could liven this book up. I'm giving it 4 stars because of Tom and Brenda and Preacher and Paige. IMHO They were the best things about this book and I wish they had more screen time.
January 10, 2015
oh wow this was such a huge disappointment...first of all the baby is 6 weeks old and her husband has been dead for what 4 months and she's like I'm ready to move on....eh...OK? I thought that it at least has gone a couple of months...why does everything has to happen so fast in these books? And the mother in-law trying to set her up this soon..not likely to ever happen..
And the deal with the other woman if she's on the pill, you use a condom she "gets" pregnant wants to get married and then go crazy you really should be suspicious...this man really had no balls to talk about...
and as usual there was a lot of other couples to work thru..I don't mind the oldies but the new one mixed in with the old one..it's just to much going on...and the drama oh the drama... *rolleyes*
And the deal with the other woman if she's on the pill, you use a condom she "gets" pregnant wants to get married and then go crazy you really should be suspicious...this man really had no balls to talk about...
and as usual there was a lot of other couples to work thru..I don't mind the oldies but the new one mixed in with the old one..it's just to much going on...and the drama oh the drama... *rolleyes*
August 20, 2021
So verspannt spannend. Die ersten 50% ist es eine gute Mischung aus Paul und Vanessa, um sie es km Klappentext geht, aber auch um viele andere Charaktere. Meiner Meinung nach muss man da schon aufmerksam lesen, sonst kommt man leicht durcheinander und kann etwas nicht zuordnen. Die zweite Hälfte hatte es aber dann gleich mit zwei großen Ereignissen in sich. Gerade das Ende, puh da war es so spannend das ich unbedingt zu Ende lesen musste!
July 2, 2011
Second Chance Pass is the fourth novel in the Virgin River series and not one I was particularly looking forward to starting because I’d been introduced to the two main characters, Vanessa and Paul, in book 3 and I knew the coupling was going to squick me out.
Vanessa is the daughter of the 3 star General Booth who moved to Virgin River upon retiring. Vanessa is married to Matt in book 3, who is deployed to Iraq and he’s killed in that book, offscreen. Vanessa was also pregnant (about 6 months I think) when he died and for support she turned to Paul, Matt’s best friend, former marine, now working in construction in nearby town Grants Pass, with his family. Paul actually spotted Vanessa first all those years ago but didn’t have the courage to approach her and Matt swept in and picked her up himself, and the two fell in love and got married.
But now Matt is gone and Vanessa (who goes by the really unattractive shortening “Vanni” here) thinks that she might be ready to move on…. to her late-husband’s best friend. She knows he has been there for her throughout all the bad times but she’s young and ready to leave them all behind. Paul was there at the birth of her and Matt’s son and supported her afterwards but has left Virgin River and returned to Grants Pass, becoming distant from her. She’s not sure why and her attempts to get him to talk aren’t really working. She’s also dealing with her in-laws, a refined and wealthy couple who are trying to set her up with someone they deem “appropriate” – a pediatrician named Cameron. Vanessa likes him and the two get on quite well but she’s realised that she’s really in love with Paul and can’t pursue anything with Cameron.
Paul, meanwhile, has been trying to distance himself from Vanessa because of his guilt of wanting his dead best friend’s wife. A chance encounter with a previous casual acquaintance comes back to haunt him however and he gets caught up in his own drama back in his town that threatens any possible chance of anything happening with Vanessa. Paul knows he needs to come clean to Vanessa about what is happening in his life if the two of them are to have any chance of making it as a couple but being naturally shy and quiet, he just doesn’t know how to go about it. It doesn’t help that Vanessa is particularly outspoken and forthright, cutting him off and spinning arguments out of nothing, ruining more than once chance he has of confessing.
I wrote a handful of notes after I finished this one, because I also had a couple more to read and I had to return them all to the library and I didn’t want to forget anything. I actually liked this book more than I thought I would, but that was mostly because the Paul and Vanessa story line was wrapped up about two thirds into it. This one introduced quite a few new characters and we spent some time with some previous characters, so I didn’t have to deal with Vanessa too much. She was one of the most unlikable women to be featured in this series so far – she’s an utter shrew! Obnoxious, shrill, jumping to conclusions, hypocritical, she really was very difficult to like. I know there’s no “designated mourning time” but I did feel that it was a bit weird that she herself was ready to move on about five months after her husband was killed in combat and everyone in her life was also actively encouraging it. Her father, while not pushing her to date other men, was worried every time she went and talked to her husband where he was buried on the General’s property, her parents-in-law were trying to set her up with eligible men and everyone from Virgin River was sticking their bib in trying to get her and Paul together. This was vaguely explained by Vanessa saying that she hadn’t seen her husband in close to a year so it felt like he’d been gone a long time. That might be true, but he wasn’t actually dead for a majority of that time. He was serving his country in combat, one that ultimately took his life. It just felt very disrespectful. And creepy.
Other things I didn’t like about this book: Paul, who was boring and the return of Mel, the stupidest midwife ever qualified! She gives birth at home again in this one and I don’t know if Robyn Carr is trying to promote home-birth or actively scare people off them because so much seems to go wrong every time one occurs! You’d think a midwife would know that her postpartum haemorrhaging wasn’t normal before she nearly died from it. I hope I never ever get a midwife like Mel delivering any of my children. Thankfully the experiences I’ve had here in Australia are completely different to Mel’s practices in Virgin River!
Things I did like about this book: Vanessa’s younger brother Tom and his girlfriend Brenda. Their sex scenes are pretty unbelievable but the two of them are very cute together and I like them both and have ever since they were introduced. Really liked the introduction of Cameron, the peds guy that Vanessa’s in-laws attempted to set her up with and I hope we definitely see more of him in the future, maybe getting his own HEA in Virgin River. I also love the mysterious illegal grower/non-grower that wears the Shady Brady hat who has popped up in and out since the beginning in various different scenes – I hope he returns too, hopefully to get his own book or at least be a part of another one in a proper way.
This book wasn’t for me in the terms of its main characters but it’s definitely a necessary read in terms of the overall story – there are plenty of new characters introduced in this one and I’m sure most of them are going to be back, if not all of them so to get the backgrounds on them, I’m glad I read this one! And because the Paul/Vanessa story line didn’t drag out for the whole book, it was a lot more enjoyable than I really expected.
Vanessa is the daughter of the 3 star General Booth who moved to Virgin River upon retiring. Vanessa is married to Matt in book 3, who is deployed to Iraq and he’s killed in that book, offscreen. Vanessa was also pregnant (about 6 months I think) when he died and for support she turned to Paul, Matt’s best friend, former marine, now working in construction in nearby town Grants Pass, with his family. Paul actually spotted Vanessa first all those years ago but didn’t have the courage to approach her and Matt swept in and picked her up himself, and the two fell in love and got married.
But now Matt is gone and Vanessa (who goes by the really unattractive shortening “Vanni” here) thinks that she might be ready to move on…. to her late-husband’s best friend. She knows he has been there for her throughout all the bad times but she’s young and ready to leave them all behind. Paul was there at the birth of her and Matt’s son and supported her afterwards but has left Virgin River and returned to Grants Pass, becoming distant from her. She’s not sure why and her attempts to get him to talk aren’t really working. She’s also dealing with her in-laws, a refined and wealthy couple who are trying to set her up with someone they deem “appropriate” – a pediatrician named Cameron. Vanessa likes him and the two get on quite well but she’s realised that she’s really in love with Paul and can’t pursue anything with Cameron.
Paul, meanwhile, has been trying to distance himself from Vanessa because of his guilt of wanting his dead best friend’s wife. A chance encounter with a previous casual acquaintance comes back to haunt him however and he gets caught up in his own drama back in his town that threatens any possible chance of anything happening with Vanessa. Paul knows he needs to come clean to Vanessa about what is happening in his life if the two of them are to have any chance of making it as a couple but being naturally shy and quiet, he just doesn’t know how to go about it. It doesn’t help that Vanessa is particularly outspoken and forthright, cutting him off and spinning arguments out of nothing, ruining more than once chance he has of confessing.
I wrote a handful of notes after I finished this one, because I also had a couple more to read and I had to return them all to the library and I didn’t want to forget anything. I actually liked this book more than I thought I would, but that was mostly because the Paul and Vanessa story line was wrapped up about two thirds into it. This one introduced quite a few new characters and we spent some time with some previous characters, so I didn’t have to deal with Vanessa too much. She was one of the most unlikable women to be featured in this series so far – she’s an utter shrew! Obnoxious, shrill, jumping to conclusions, hypocritical, she really was very difficult to like. I know there’s no “designated mourning time” but I did feel that it was a bit weird that she herself was ready to move on about five months after her husband was killed in combat and everyone in her life was also actively encouraging it. Her father, while not pushing her to date other men, was worried every time she went and talked to her husband where he was buried on the General’s property, her parents-in-law were trying to set her up with eligible men and everyone from Virgin River was sticking their bib in trying to get her and Paul together. This was vaguely explained by Vanessa saying that she hadn’t seen her husband in close to a year so it felt like he’d been gone a long time. That might be true, but he wasn’t actually dead for a majority of that time. He was serving his country in combat, one that ultimately took his life. It just felt very disrespectful. And creepy.
Other things I didn’t like about this book: Paul, who was boring and the return of Mel, the stupidest midwife ever qualified! She gives birth at home again in this one and I don’t know if Robyn Carr is trying to promote home-birth or actively scare people off them because so much seems to go wrong every time one occurs! You’d think a midwife would know that her postpartum haemorrhaging wasn’t normal before she nearly died from it. I hope I never ever get a midwife like Mel delivering any of my children. Thankfully the experiences I’ve had here in Australia are completely different to Mel’s practices in Virgin River!
Things I did like about this book: Vanessa’s younger brother Tom and his girlfriend Brenda. Their sex scenes are pretty unbelievable but the two of them are very cute together and I like them both and have ever since they were introduced. Really liked the introduction of Cameron, the peds guy that Vanessa’s in-laws attempted to set her up with and I hope we definitely see more of him in the future, maybe getting his own HEA in Virgin River. I also love the mysterious illegal grower/non-grower that wears the Shady Brady hat who has popped up in and out since the beginning in various different scenes – I hope he returns too, hopefully to get his own book or at least be a part of another one in a proper way.
This book wasn’t for me in the terms of its main characters but it’s definitely a necessary read in terms of the overall story – there are plenty of new characters introduced in this one and I’m sure most of them are going to be back, if not all of them so to get the backgrounds on them, I’m glad I read this one! And because the Paul/Vanessa story line didn’t drag out for the whole book, it was a lot more enjoyable than I really expected.
August 2, 2017
I almost forgot about what kind of drama is happening in small towns where everyone knows each other. Cute story .
April 1, 2020
Una historia de amor en medio de la dureza de la vida y de la guerra.
Virgin River es más que un pueblo, es como una comunidad de amigos, una gran familia donde todos se apoyan, se animan unos a otros, y se ayudan. Hay verdadero cariño. La verdad es que a una se le antoja tener una casa ahí, sobre todo, porque parece que se concentran allí muchos hombres atractivos...
Como en las anteriores entregas, la trama se ve interrumpida por la introducción de subtramas de personajes secundarios o de hechos que nos permiten ver la vida del pueblo, el tiempo que pasa, las amistades que se consolidan y amores que nacen. A pesar de todo, los protagonistas tienen una historia bien llevada, porque los hemos conocido en una entrega anterior y ya sabemos cómo son.
Paul y Vanni ya se conocen. Paul fue siempre el mejor amigo de Matt, el esposo de Vanni, y se comprometió a cuidar de su esposa si algo le ocurría a él. En la cuarta entrega de la serie supimos de la muerte de Matt y del nacimiento del hijo de este. Paul hace todo lo posible por consolar a la viuda y ayudarla con el nacimiento, pero se siente como una olla a punto de explotar, porque él siempre ha estado enamorado de Vanessa. Y ahí es donde comienza Virgin River 5, porque esto más que una serie, es una única novela entregada por fascículos.
Paul es un chico bueno, leal hasta la médula, algo tímido y nada lanzado, lo que hace que casi pierda a Vanessa, pero cuando se da cuenta que está a punto de perderla por un atractivo médico, se rebela y actúa. El problema es que nunca se le ha dado bien expresar sus sentimientos y eso lleva a varios malentendidos que lo colocan en una situación crítica. Como personaje me ha parecido adorable y me ha gustado cómo la autora ha reflejado el cambio que se produce en él cuando está por fin junto a Vanessa.
Vanessa es una mujer fuerte, decidida, que sabe lo que quiere, y con un genio tremendo cuando algo la contraría. Es una mujer llena de pasión y que necesita ser amada, y ella sabe de quién quiere recibir ese amor. Es precioso ver cómo, a pesar de buscar de nuevo el amor, no se olvida de Matt, a quien sigue amando.
Creo que esta serie es adictiva por los personajes secundarios que introduce la autora. Nos da a probar un poquito de ellos, nos los presenta, nos hace ver el roce que tienen con posibles parejas y nos deja con la miel en la boca. Una se descubre queriendo leer la siguiente historia para saber qué pasa con estas parejas.
Virgin River es más que un pueblo, es como una comunidad de amigos, una gran familia donde todos se apoyan, se animan unos a otros, y se ayudan. Hay verdadero cariño. La verdad es que a una se le antoja tener una casa ahí, sobre todo, porque parece que se concentran allí muchos hombres atractivos...
Como en las anteriores entregas, la trama se ve interrumpida por la introducción de subtramas de personajes secundarios o de hechos que nos permiten ver la vida del pueblo, el tiempo que pasa, las amistades que se consolidan y amores que nacen. A pesar de todo, los protagonistas tienen una historia bien llevada, porque los hemos conocido en una entrega anterior y ya sabemos cómo son.
Paul y Vanni ya se conocen. Paul fue siempre el mejor amigo de Matt, el esposo de Vanni, y se comprometió a cuidar de su esposa si algo le ocurría a él. En la cuarta entrega de la serie supimos de la muerte de Matt y del nacimiento del hijo de este. Paul hace todo lo posible por consolar a la viuda y ayudarla con el nacimiento, pero se siente como una olla a punto de explotar, porque él siempre ha estado enamorado de Vanessa. Y ahí es donde comienza Virgin River 5, porque esto más que una serie, es una única novela entregada por fascículos.
Paul es un chico bueno, leal hasta la médula, algo tímido y nada lanzado, lo que hace que casi pierda a Vanessa, pero cuando se da cuenta que está a punto de perderla por un atractivo médico, se rebela y actúa. El problema es que nunca se le ha dado bien expresar sus sentimientos y eso lleva a varios malentendidos que lo colocan en una situación crítica. Como personaje me ha parecido adorable y me ha gustado cómo la autora ha reflejado el cambio que se produce en él cuando está por fin junto a Vanessa.
Vanessa es una mujer fuerte, decidida, que sabe lo que quiere, y con un genio tremendo cuando algo la contraría. Es una mujer llena de pasión y que necesita ser amada, y ella sabe de quién quiere recibir ese amor. Es precioso ver cómo, a pesar de buscar de nuevo el amor, no se olvida de Matt, a quien sigue amando.
Creo que esta serie es adictiva por los personajes secundarios que introduce la autora. Nos da a probar un poquito de ellos, nos los presenta, nos hace ver el roce que tienen con posibles parejas y nos deja con la miel en la boca. Una se descubre queriendo leer la siguiente historia para saber qué pasa con estas parejas.
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