Member Reviews
This book has two previously published stories. I enjoyed looking back at some of my favorite characters from Virgin River.
The ultimate escapism in holiday romance. Virginia River never disappoints. Truly delectable reading!
HOLIDAYS IN VIRGIN RIVER by Robyn Carr joins over twenty books in the series and offers a selection of "Romance Stories for the Holidays." Fans of the Virgin River Netflix series will also enjoy these tales, although Jack, Mel and other "regulars" make only cameo appearances. Carr has focused on a local farm girl, Annie, and the new veterinarian, Nate, in the initial story involving the discovery of eight brand new puppies. The second tale takes place at New Year's festivities when photographer Sunny (Nate's niece) and Drew (a medical student) meet; each has had a tough breakup in the past year. While the writing could be more sophisticated, Carr delivers exactly what is promised. Her readers will find it a treat – especially at holiday time. Settle down with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy. Recipes (pumpkin soup, gingerbread dough, and more!) are included. 3.5 stars
It’s so wonderful to revisit Virgin River, especially at Christmas! I swear I would live there if possible. Both of these stories are heartwarming, laugh out loud funny, and romantic. I love how Carr manages to support the military in her stories, often having the male character be a veteran. In the first story, Under the Christmas Tree, the new town vet, Nate, is asked to help care for an abandoned litter of puppies. He takes with the help of Annie, and romance ensues. In the second story, Midnight Confessions, Nate’s niece meets a new guy at Jack’s bar and decides to give love a second chance. Those these are reprints, I always enjoy Virgin River stories!
A couple of family members turned me on to Virgin River, and once I started checking out this charming place created by Robyn Carr, I was hooked. Here, we have 2 novellas for the holidays, plus some fun bonus material. The whole book can easily be read over a weekend, which is a good thing because it holds the kind of stories that pull you in. Robyn Carr has a talent for creating characters that quickly become friends, so it's safe to say I'll be visiting again from time to time. If you're looking for a couple of delightful holiday reads, Holidays in Virgin River is a pretty good bet.
This is two novella books in one. I had read Under the Christmas tree (#8 in the Virgin River Series)before where the vet Nathaniel and Annie meet each other over the Christmas season at Jacks bar(full review of this one is in my list off books). The second novella I never read and I found out there is a connection to the characters in Under the Christmas Tree. Sunny is visiting her uncle Nathaniel in Virgin River for the holidays trying to still cope with being left at the altar over a year ago. He and his fiancee encourages her to join them at Jacks bar for new years eve holiday. So begins this novella where she meets Drew(Erin from book #11 brother). At first she wants nothing to do with him but over the evening as things transgress in the bar they find themselves talking about their past troubles he too was dumped by his fiancee but not at the altar. It was great catching up with past characters from previous books in the series i have read and of course Jack and Mel is always a plus getting meet up with them again. My only issue with this novella I wish Ms. Carr gave us just a bit more like a epilogue. Review on goodreads and amazon
I received the book as part of a blog tour and did an excerpt on my blog but have not yet read the book.
Under the Christmas tree a box of eight puppies were found and Annie is rallying everyone in Virgin River to help care for the pups until after the holidays when they can find proper owners for them. Annie may have bitten off more then she can chew but with Nathaniel the local vet is willing to lend a hand when sparks begin to fly. So this little novella was pretty cute and I will say perfect for the holiday season. I mean watching how festive everyone was and seeing Annie getting everyone to help out with the pups was pretty sweet. I loved the romance what was between Nathaniel and Annie. Overall it was a pretty cute little novella. Perfect for when you are busy for the holiday season and looking for a short escape because with how hectic the holiday season can be getting a short book to escape into when pressed for time might be just what you need.
As for Midnight Confessions it was a great little new years eve novella. So Sunny was left at the alter on new years eve its been a year since then. Drew didn't have time for his girl and she left him. So its a bit of a tough holiday season for them but with that connection they have with eachother they confess what's weighing on their minds as well as getting to know eachother. I have to say I really really liked this one. This novella was pretty cute and it was sweet seeing how they progress with enjoying each others company and it was to easy to root for the two.
Overall this is a pretty great book for those pressed for time but still looking for a little holiday spirit in a book. I really enjoyed this one,
Holiday In Virgin River: Romance Stories for the Holidays by Robyn Carr is ace. It is sweet, romantic, and chock full of the holidays - all of which make it the perfect holiday read! Or at least, I think so. I loved this book to bits! It has two stories and they are each delicious and unputdownable!
I’ve been a fan of the Virgin Rivers series for years so reading these two novellas was like coming home! I love this fictional charming town with its group of tight-knit, caring characters! I’ve watched the TV series as well and while I think they did a great job with the casting and setting, the plot lines don’t compare to the beautiful and passionate stories Ms. Carr has written! Not that I’ll stop watching, lol.
Loved both novellas and I enjoyed that they’re connected. The first, Under the Christmas Tree, centers on Annie McCarty a longtime resident who stumbles an abandoned litter of puppies that need care. Nate Jensen, the local vet, steps up to help, along with the rest of the town. Their romance was a delight, full attraction and yearning. Annie’s a bit gun-shy after being burned by her last relationship, but Nate isn’t deterred.
The second, Midnight Confessions, centers on Nate Jensen’s twenty-five-year-old niece, Sunny. She’s sworn off men after being left at the altar a year ago. She’s angry, and rightly so, but on New Year’s at Jack’s bar she meets Drew Foley who helps her to see that getting dumped may not have been a bad thing. After all, Sunny wouldn’t be spending an evening getting to know the sweet, handsome man otherwise.
In addition to the two novellas, Holidays in Virgin River includes a note from Robyn Carr describing how the story of Virgin River came to her and several delicious sounding recipes inspired by the series (listed below in the book description). Comfort-food type of recipes I plan on trying!
Such a treat for all Robyn Carr and Virgin River fans. New friends and some old brought together in a couple of stories that center around this fine town and its amazing assortment of eclectic characters. All fun loving and filled with traditional family values, albeit not always the garden variety.
Traditions are important and in HOLIDAYS IN VIRGIN RIVER Robyn Carr showcases some pretty fabulous families. As always, the characters are folks you would absolutely love to have as friends and by the time you get to the end of each story you feel as if you really did meet some new ones.
First up at bat is Nathaniel and Annie. Nathaniel is the local large animal vet. He took over his fathers practice when he returned home to Virgin River. Nate had grown up knowing the McKenzie family. Especially the boys but remembers fondly the younger sister Annie.
Annie is no longer the awkward little sister. She is a strong stunning owner of the town’s beauty salon. Annie had thought to become a vet with all her years working on the family farm. But couldn’t follow that dream. She was still in the caring business, just now helping the ladies of the town. But Annie has never met an animal she didn’t love and that was what initially brought her and Nate together. Caring for a little of eight puppies abandoned under a Christmas tree.
Robyn Carr so easily sets the scene for a terrific feel-good tale. And UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE is vintage Robyn Carr.
Second story MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS is about getting over the anger and lack of trust and confidence issues that linger after a bad breakup. In Sunny’s case that meant being left at the altar at her New Year’s Eve wedding just a year ago. For Drew it was breaking up with his girl who couldn’t or wouldn’t commit to working out logistic issues in their relationship. Sunny was going to use a visit to her Uncle Nate and his fiancé Annie as a chance to regain a measure of confidence and lick her wounds. Fate brought Drew and Sunny together. Only time would tell if Sunny would be open to trusting her heart to another man. And Drew really hoped he would be the guy to earn that trust.
From cover-to-cover classic Robyn Carr who is the consummate master of creating towns and communities along with a cadre of incredible characters. In HOLIDAYS IN VIRGIN RIVER Robyn Carr includes two heartwarming stories with some amazing folk. Each person emotes feeling and earns a special place in the reader’s heart. And like all tales in Virgin River we get to spend more time with old favorites.
I’m so excited to take part in my first 2022 Holiday Blog Tour for a great holiday read that will warm your heart: Holidays in Virgin River by Robyn Carr. I loved this story (actually it’s two stories) and the characters, which reminded me a bit of the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Ordinary people living ordinary lives, but you come to know and love them. And I’m always rooting for a happy ending! Plus it has recipes! Yay! And I see that it will be a Netflix series!
This is the perfect holiday gift for a friend or family member who loves a heart-warming story.
Thank you for my copy and for making me part of the tour! I love Robyn Carr’s writing and will look forward to reading more of her work.
I never know how to review a collection of short stories or novellas. I don’t want to talk about each story…I am too lazy for that 😂. So, here goes my generalization…ADD THIS TO YOUR LIST!
I enjoyed these novellas. This is the perfect interlude between heavy books. Of course, how could you go wrong with Virgin River stories. Add in the stray puppies, wonderful characters, and fabulous recipes and you have a great escape! Plus, it is set at Christmas! What’s not to love!
Need fabulous romance stories which will take you away to Virgin River…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received these novellas from the publisher for a honest review.
Holidays in Virgin River is a wonderful set of stories from the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. These books have all the holiday feels to include puppies, the importance of family, new beginnings, and holiday traditions. I highly recommend the entire series, definitely a favorite of mine!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review these two books.
I've watched Virgin River on Netflix, but I haven't read any of the books. However, this one still made sense to me. It was nice to see familiar characters. These short stories are charming and provide a nice dose of holiday spirit!
All the Virgin River stories are absolutely wonderful but the Christmas stories have something extra. They have an extra dose of warmth and love that just can be felt from every page. I loved the stories in this book and highly recommend it.
Everyone I know has a crush on Jack but that is not who we will be reading about in this new anthology, although he does make appearances. The first story is just a delightful read that tugs your heartstrings. Of course, the puppies help too!
I just fell for Nate and his heart. His perfect match is found with Annie who is a delightful balance of tough and tender. Carr just has a way of developing her characters with deep feelings and souls that shine which is reflected in Under the Christmas Tree
In Midnight Confessions Drew is a delightful spirit who knows right away the perfect woman when he meets Sunny. I love how fast he found his way. Tender hearts abound but when you know, you know.
Both of these novella length stories are written with Carr’s love for the town she created and the people who live there. A wonderful way to spend a cozy night wrapped up in the romance and everything Virgin River. A sweet addition to the series.
Virgin River is one of the places I like to visit when I think that the world around is becoming too dark and this book was perfect as I felt I needed some heart warming and well written story, a nice place to go in a dark and cold afternoon.
These are two festive and well plotted story. Even if I thoroughly enjoyed both novella, Under the Christmas Tree
was my favorite as I'm a sucker for stories featuring puppies.
There's a perfect festive atmosphere, there's fleshed out and intense characters, there's love, and there's a lovely place and sense of community.
Robyn Carr knows how to deliver stories that keeps you turning pages and are emotionally charged. These two are also festive.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to MIRA and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Robyn Carr and Virgin River have my heart. I read the very first one when it first came out and decades later I’m still in love. Only Robyn can pull off this kind of magic.
Holidays in Virgin River - Under the Christmas Tree- A litter of puppies are found abandoned under the Virgin River community Christmas tree. Annie McKenzie detours through town on her way to her family farm and happens to be present at their discovery.. Her farming background helps her give these puppies a fighting chance. The new veterinarian Nate Jensen helps with the puppies and a lovely relationship between Annie and Nate blooms.
Midnight Confessions is a continuation of Under the Christmas Tree. The magic of a happenstance meeting finds Sunny Archer (niece of Nate Jensen) and Dr. Drew Foley on New Year's Eve at Jack's Bar. Sunny has spent the last year almost desolate from being left at the altar. Drew also has a past failed relationship. Sunny and Drew bond, and the reader enjoys the tenderness and emotion so characteristic of Robyn Carr's writing. The author knows exactly how to weave a story that offers comfort and entertainment while building upon strong characters. I have read both of these stories before as they have been previously published. I enjoyed them just as much as my first reading(s).... (even her intro/author notes are interesting.) This series is highly recommended for library purchase.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Robyn Carr and NetGalley for this ARC.