First line: A fierce and unseasonably cold September wind blew chilly rain against the windows.
Why I read this: I came across Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series earlier this year and I am slowly trying to read them all – this is book 2 and there are 15 in the series as of now…I really need to catch up!
Synopsis from Barnes and Noble: John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.
But when Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.
My thoughts: This is the second in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series and I loved it. This time the story focuses on Preacher and Paige. It is an amazing story of love and courage. Escaping an abusive husband and marriage, Paige stumbles into the bar where Preacher works one rainy night with her young son, who is sick. Preacher immediately jumps to her rescue, providing a safe place for Paige and young Christopher to rest and stay warm. The residents of Virgin River embrace Paige and become a safe harbor for her, allowing her to heal and find her own confidence and inner strength. Shelter Mountain, much like the first in the series, Virgin River, are stories about healing, finding love in unexpected places and the acts of kindness that make a true family. I really enjoy how the characters from the previous book are woven into the next book so that they continue to grow and you are able to keep up with what is going on with them. We even meet new characters this time and hopefully they will continue to grow in subsequent books. I am hoping to get to the third book, Whispering Rock, soon!
(I purchased this e-book.)
I have heard really good things about this series. I recently got the first one on my Kindle… now to get around to reading it!
@A Journey in Reading I had gotten the first one from PaperBack Swap because I had also heard really good things about the series. Then I ordered books 2, 3, and 4 for my Nook. I'm hoping to get to books 3 and 4 this summer!
I have a Robyn Carr book "Harvest Moon" on my book shelf waiting to be read. You have sparked my interest, I will have to try and read it this month.
@Gigi Ann I keep seeing that one at the library everytime I go there…I just need to read books 3 – 14 and then I can read that one!
I have never read anything by Robyn Carr, but the book sounds like an intriguing story. I have added it to my to-read list. Thanks for the review!
It sounds like this was just as good as Virgin River. I picked it up from the library right after finishing Virgin River but I didn't end of reading it because I wasn't ready to let go of the characters from the first book in the series. I know that is a dumb reason not to read it – but I think I'm ready now to get going!
@ Ruthhill4: The first Robyn Carr book I read was The House on Olive Street and I really enjoyed it. Then I kept hearing about her Virgin River series and decided to give it a try – it's really good.
@ Bonnie: That's one of the reasons why I love series – you don't have to say goodbye to characters you love while at the same time you meet more and more good characters!