Category Archives: Robyn Carr

October 12, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr

Title: Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Virgin River Series Book Twenty-One
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 258 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr returns to the beloved town of Virgin River with a brand-new story about fresh starts, new friends and the magic of Christmas.

Kaylee Sloan’s home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother’s recent death. A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River. She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired. Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack’s Bar to plan her next steps. The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she’s surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend—or a stranger—in need.

Kaylee’s world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there’s the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her. As the holidays approach, Kaylee’s dread turns to wonder. Because there’s no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

Review:

Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance. Although this newest release is the twenty-first installment in the Virgin River series, it can be read as a standalone.

With the first anniversary of her beloved mother’s death approaching, Kaylee Sloan is still deeply grieving the loss. With a looming deadline and an inability to write, she decides a change of scenery will jumpstart her creative process. Having enjoyed her previous visits to Virgin River, Kaylee rents out her house and heads to a friends’ cabin.  But her plans hit immediately hit a bump in the road when the cabin is uninhabitable due to a fire.  Although a bit defeated, she accepts Mel and Jack Sheridan’s hospitality and offer to help her find a suitable rental in the area. And, as luck would have it, Landry Moore has an empty house that he offers to her.  With the seemingly perfect setting, Kaylee continues working to meet her upcoming deadline.

Kaylee and her mother were extremely close and she is haunted by her memories of their time together. Although her publisher has been very understanding, Kaylee fears her career will suffer if she does not finish her current novel. Although she has several pages written, she is not having much luck hitting her stride. She instead becomes wrapped up in an unexpected project and her growing friendship with Landry. With their relationship heading into romantic territory, Kaylee decides to live in the moment as  they give into their attraction for each other.

Landry is a bit of a loner but he is always friendly when he goes into town. He is a successful artist who is also a part-time dog trainer. Landry is surprised by how much he enjoys Kaylee’s company. When his past collides with his present, he realizes it is time to take steps to finally close that chapter of his life.

Return to Virgin River is a touching romance of healing, friendship and love. Kaylee is a likable character who is surprisingly open to new experiences. Landry is an laidback man with infinite patience. Their romance is sweet and grows naturally from their close friendship. The setting is winsome and Virgin River residents quickly welcome Kaylee into the fold. With an unanticipated plot twist,  Robyn Carr brings this charming romance to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Virgin River series will enjoy this lovely romance.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mira, Rated B, Return to Virgin River, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Virgin River Series

January 6, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr

Title: The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Five
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr delivers an emotional and triumphant novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love.

A summer rental, a new beginning…

Hannah Russell’s carefully crafted plans for her life have been upended without warning. When her best friend died suddenly, Hannah became guardian to a five-year-old named Noah. With no experience at motherhood, she’s terrified she’s not up to the challenge. She and Noah need time to get to know each other, so she decides to rent a country house with stunning views on a lake in rural Colorado.

When they arrive at the house, they are greeted by the owner, a handsome man who promises to stay out of their way. But his clumsy Great Dane, Romeo, has other ideas and Noah immediately bonds with the lovable dog. As Hannah learns to become a mother, Owen Abrams, who is recovering from his own grief, can’t help but be drawn out of his solitude by his guests.

But life throws more challenges at this unlikely trio and they are tested in ways they never thought possible. All three will discover their strengths and, despite their differences, they will fight to become a family. And the people of Sullivan’s Crossing will rally around them to offer all of the support they need.

Review:

The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr is a heartwarming romance of friendship, healing and love. This fifth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series can be read as a standalone.

Thirty-five year old Hannah Russell has just broken her engagement when her best friend, Erin Waters, unexpectedly passes away.  Now the guardian of Erin’s five year old son Noah, Hannah decides to rent a lakeside house in Colorado so she and Noah can settle into their life. Unbeknownst to Hannah, the home’s owner, photographer Owen Abrams and his goofy but lovable dog Romeo, are about to become an integral part of both her and Noah’s healing process.

With two broken engagements behind her, Hannah is not looking for love as she figures out her and Noah’s future. But Owen soon becomes a fixture in their daily routine as she sorts out key aspects of Noah’s care.  She looks forward to spending time with Owen, but Noah remains her priority. Uncertain about how her career will fit in with motherhood, Hannah and Noah extend their time with Owen in order to decide her next steps.

Following a tragedy, Owen now leads a very solitary life both at home and during his travels.  He has not had a serious relationship since his divorce and he is content with the status quo. Owen is surprised by how quickly Noah and Hannah become an cherished part of his life.  Will Owen be able to convince Hannah and Noah to take a chance on a new life with him?

Hannah, Noah and Owen’s tranquility is disturbed when Erin’s estranged mother enters their lives. Hannah will do anything to protect Noah and she is grateful for the love and support of her new friends  in Sullivan’s Crossing.  With the full protection of Owen and her friends, Hannah is prepared to do whatever it takes to shield Noah from his grandmother.

The Country Guesthouse is a charming novel of new beginnings. Hannah, Noah and Owen are delightful characters who are vibrantly developed and easy to root for. The storyline is well-written and engaging.  The setting is idyllic and vividly springs to life. Robyn Carr brings this heartfelt novel to an uplifting conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Country Guesthouse

January 13, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr

Title: The Best of Us by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Four
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In Sullivan’s Crossing, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr has created a place where good people, powerful emotions, great humor and a healthy dose of common sense are the key ingredients to a happy life. Sullivan’s Crossing brings out the best in people. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.

Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.

When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.

Review:

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is delightfully charming romance featuring two love stories. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series, it can be read as a standalone.

Dr. Leigh Culver has no regrets about relocating to the small town of Timberlake. She is enjoying the slower pace and her new friendship with camp ground owner Sully. Having had her heart broken years earlier by her high school sweetheart, Leigh is not looking for love. But after pub owner Rob Shandon brings his teenage son Finn to the clinic for stitches, she is surprised when he asks her out. Since the widowed father of two is not looking for a permanent relationship, Leigh sees no harm in dating him. Their not so secret romance takes an unexpectedly serious turn but is Leigh ready to commit to a future with Rob?

Leigh’s aunt Helen is a retired school teacher and a successful author. Having raised Leigh after her sister’s death, Helen is enjoying the freedom to travel and visit friends across the country.  After selling her house in Illinois, she plans to spend the summer with Leigh while working on her current novel.  After her niece introduces her to Sully, Helen begins spending quiet, slow-paced days with him his campground.  Despite having little in common, Sully and Helen become fast friends and both are shocked to discover their feelings go deeper than friendship.

Leigh and Rob’s relationship is sizzling hot but they do not plan on their romance becoming serious. Rob is the first to realize he is falling in love but Leigh tends to keep him at an emotional distance.  Leigh is not exactly ready to admit to herself that she might feel more for Rob than lust, but her memories of her previous heartbreak still haunt her. When circumstances force them to consider a future together, will Rob convince Leigh to consider taking their relationship to the next level?

The Best of Us by Robyn Carr is a sweet novel of family, friendship and love. All of the characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. Rob and Leigh’s relationship is quite passionate but Leigh has a lot of a growing to do before she is ready to risk her heart again.  Helen and Sully’s romance is quite endearing and tugs on readers’ heartstrings. The tight-knit community welcomes newcomers into their fold and the small town setting is quite homey. This newest addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series is a warm and heartfelt novel that old and new fans are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Best of Us

April 15, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

Title: The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Three
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

Review:

The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr is a sweet, family-centric romance. This third installment in the marvelous Sullivan’s Crossing series can stand on its own, but I highly encourage readers to read the previous books for important backstory.

Dakota Jones shocks his brother Cal and his sister Sierra with his unexpected arrival in Colorado. The former Army Ranger has not exactly kept in touch on a regular basis so no one in the family is aware of what has been going on with their brother recently. Since he rarely stays in one place for very long, Dakota surprises himself by renting a cabin and finding a job soon after coming to town. Even more astonishing, he strikes up a friendship with romance potential but their relationship is complicated by her trust issues and interference from hairstylist Alyssa and overly aggressive Neely Benedict.  An additional and very unanticipated complication arises when the siblings’ sister Sedona comes to town sans family and they discover she, too, has not emerged from their tumultuous childhood unscathed.  Will this unforeseen drama send Dakota running? Or will it be the impetus he needs to finally put down roots?

Dakota joined the Army as soon he graduated from high school and rarely looked back. His sporadic visits to the family farm have gradually tapered off but he always kept in touch with his siblings. Following his surprising exodus from the Army, Dakota is ready to spend some quality time with his siblings but he is not quite ready to make a commitment to remain permanently in Colorado.  However, as he becomes more enmeshed in his siblings’ day to day lives and their extended families, Dakota discovers walking away won’t be as easy as it proved to be in the past.

Although he is not looking for a permanent relationship, Dakota is not averse to a no strings fling. The first woman who briefly catches his eye is Alyssa but she comes across as a little too desperate to hold his attention. Dakota next meets Neely whose hot and cold attitude is not exactly his thing and he quickly falls victim to her penchant for wreaking havoc once she realizes his interest lies elsewhere.

Dakota is quickly smitten by a very unexpected woman but she is not at all ready for a romance. His patience with her finally pays off when their easygoing friendship gradually tips into a physical relationship but she is wary of committing to anything other than a temporary fling.  Dakota is initially fine with the status quo but when his feelings for her deepen into something that looks a lot like love, will he convince her to take a chance on taking their relationship to the next level?

On the family front, the only sibling whose life is without complications is Cal. Sierra and her firefighter boyfriend are contemplating the next step in their relationship but are they ready for an even bigger change in their lives? Always considered the “normal” one, Sedona’s life is nowhere near as perfect or untroubled as everyone else (including Sedona) assumed and she is finally forced to face her worse fears. Instead of running away from these  obstacles, Dakota surprises himself and his siblings by eagerly stepping into the fray.

The Family Gathering is an emotionally-charged, engrossing novel with a thought-provoking storyline and a lovely cast of colorful characters. Dakota is a wonderful lead protagonist and watching him make peace with his past while discovering what he wants for the future is incredibly gratifying. Robyn Carr keeps the story moving at a brisk pace as she wraps up a few dangling storylines from earlier works. With a great cast of characters, a hint of suspense and a delightful love story, old and new fans will find themselves charmed by this newest addition to the heartwarming Sullivan’s Crossing series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series, The Family Gathering, Women's Fiction

September 6, 2017 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr

Title: The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The brand-new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr that Kirkus calls “a blissful beach read.” The Summer That Made Us is an unforgettable story about a family learning to accept the past, to forgive and to love each other again.

That was then… 

For the Hempsteads, summers were idyllic. The lake was a magical place, a haven where they were happy and carefree. All of their problems drifted away as the days passed in sun-dappled contentment. Until the summer that changed everything.

This is now…

After an accident turned the lake house into a site of tragedy and grief, it was closed up. None of the Hempstead women speak of what happened, and relationships between them are uneasy at best to hurtful at worst. But in the face of new challenges, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth.

Robyn Carr has crafted another beautifully woven story about the complexities of family dynamics and the value of strong female relationships.

Review:

The Summer That Made Us by Robyn Carr is a multi-layered novel about a once close-knit family that was torn apart by tragedy.

Once upon a time, sisters Louise and Josephine, along with their daughters, spent idyllic summers together at the family’s lake house.  They each had three daughters and the cousins were just as close as their mothers. However, in the aftermath of  a tragic accident, Lou and Jo become somewhat estranged and their daughters’ lives take very troubling turns. Fast forward to the present and Lou’s daughter Meg decides it is time for the family to reconcile and she invites everyone back to the lake house for the summer.  There is never any doubt Meg’s sister Charley will agree to her sister’s plan but will cousins Hope, Krista and Beverly accept her invitation? And is it too late for Lou and Jo to repair their long strained relationship?

Alternating between the various characters’ perspectives, Robyn Carr’s newest release is not a light or happy read and quite frankly, it is a bit of a chore to even like many of the characters. Meg is the most sympathetic, and while she sets the reunion into motion, she remains firmly in the background as the story unfolds. Her sister Charley is probably the least likable as she alienates her long-term partner, Michael, after she loses her job. On the other end of the spectrum is their cousin Krista whose life took a dramatically wrong turn but she is incredibly appealing as she faces each challenge with a positive and cheery attitude. Krista’s sister Hope makes a couple of very memorable guest appearances that will leave readers shaking their head in disbelief. Their other sister Beverly remains on the periphery of the unfolding drama. Jo is an utterly fantastic character and she never hesitates to do whatever is necessary to help her daughters.  Her sister Lou is nowhere near as personable and well, it is not easy to feel much sympathy for her even though she has endured some very painful losses.

Despite a somewhat slow start, The Summer That Made Us is an engaging novel with an interesting (but sometimes overly busy) storyline.  While not a particularly joyful read, it is easy to become swept up into the various characters’ story arcs.  Robyn Carr brings the novel to a bittersweet yet uplifting conclusion.  

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Filed under Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B, Review, Robyn Carr, The Summer That Made Us, Women's Fiction

April 17, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: Any Day Now by Robyn Carr

Title: Any Day Now by Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing Series Book Two
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating:B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The highly anticipated sequel to #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr’s What We Find transports readers back to Sullivan’s Crossing. The rustic campground at the crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails welcomes everyone—whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a whole new lease on life. It’s a wonderful place where good people face their challenges with humor, strength and love.

For Sierra Jones, Sullivan’s Crossing is meant to be a brief stopover. She’s put her troubled past behind her but the path forward isn’t yet clear. A visit with her big brother Cal and his new bride, Maggie, seems to be the best option to help her get back on her feet.

Not wanting to burden or depend on anyone, Sierra is surprised to find the Crossing offers so much more than a place to rest her head. Cal and Maggie welcome her into their busy lives and she quickly finds herself bonding with Sully, the quirky campground owner who is the father figure she’s always wanted. But when her past catches up with her, it’s a special man and an adorable puppy who give her the strength to face the truth and fight for a brighter future. In Sullivan’s Crossing Sierra learns to cherish the family you are given and the family you choose.

Review:

Any Day Now by Robyn Carr is a captivating novel of new beginnings, healing and love. This second installment in the Sullivan’s Crossing series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the first book in the series as well.

Sierra Jones has finally gotten her life back on track and moving closer to her older brother Cal and his new wife Maggie provides her the opportunity to leave her troubled past behind. She quickly finds a new job but when she needs a less stressful place to live, she takes Sully (Maggie’s father) up on his offer to live in one of the cabins at his campground. In exchange for her living accommodations, she is more than happy to fill in wherever Sully needs an extra hand.  Easily settling into the slower pace of life and forming new friendships, Sierra is not looking for love but will meeting firefighter Conrad “Connie” Boyle change her mind?

Sierra has worked hard to leave behind her poor choices and concentrate on turning her life around. While at first, she was just trying to escape from a truly horrifying experience, she instead discovered she had more problems than she imagined. Through hard work and determination, she manged to overcome several of her demons but she continues to work on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Needing a fresh start and wanting to reconnect with Cal, Sierra is looking forward to her new life in Sullivan’s Crossing. Despite her past troubles, she is well-adjusted and upbeat with a refreshingly positive attitude. Living one day at a time, Sierra is not looking too far in the future when she meets Connie.

Having his heart broken in the past, Connie is not looking for a serious relationship when he is introduced to Sierra. He is rather wary when their paths continue to cross but he is also quite drawn to her as well. Once their friendship begins to deepen, Connie is surprisingly open to exploring his unexpected feelings for her. He is content to let Sierra control the direction of their surprising romance, but he does become a little impatient over her reluctance to fully confide in him once she is ready to fully face her past.

A secondary story arc featuring Tom Canaday and Sierra’s co-worker Lola will delight readers who are fond of older characters unexpectedly finding love. Although it has taken a while, Tom is finally moving on from his divorce and he is suddenly viewing Lola in a whole new light. However, Lola’s life is plenty busy and lacking self-confidence when it comes to dating, she is not exactly looking for a relationship. Once they realize how much they have in common, an easy friendship springs up between them, but Tom never gives up hope Lola will eventually be open to taking their relationship to the next level.

Any Day Now is a heartwarming novel with a wonderful cast of charming characters and an engaging storyline. Sierra and Connie are an appealing couple and they are refreshingly well-adjusted despite the issues they have dealt with in the past. Their friendship provides a firm foundation for their slow growing romance and their relationship is delightfully free from unnecessary angst or drama. The issues from Sierra’s past are serious and provide the storyline with plenty of depth. Robyn Carr deftly handles this difficult subject matter in a sensitive and realistic manner. Old and new fans will absolutely love this latest addition to the Sullivan’s Crossing series.

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Filed under Any Day Now, Contemporary, Harlequin, Mira, Rated B+, Review, Robyn Carr, Romance, Sullivans Crossing Series