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meredith_gayle's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book to be very touching and it gave me hope that I could find love despite everything. The story was an emotional roller coaster for me, but never once did I even consider stopping the ride. I'd read it again in a heartbeat, but now onto the next book.
mrsbatts610's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good book. I guess kind of a palate cleanser. I’m not exactly sure how this got stretched to twenty books about a really small town, but I think these would be good to read from time to time.
clwvtclw's review against another edition
DNF too sappy for me, stopped after about 100 pages.
tastybourbon's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes I still like to take a break from the darker and grittier stuff that I read. Virgin River was precisely the sort of book that I needed. Yes, the story is excessively predictable. This is one of those books where you basically know the ending before you even make it through page one. That being said, I enjoyed this book thanks to the fact that the characters were a little more interesting and likable compared to most of what I’ve read in the contemporary romance genre. The author’s writing style is also a notch or two above other titles that I’ve read. I’ll definitely be visiting Virgin River from time to time to see what folks are up to and may even give the Netflix series a try.
wanderinglynn's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up after watching Virgin River on Netflix. I had no idea it was a book until then.
This is a sweet romance story. I can relate to Mel. Although I've not lost a spouse, I understand the need to leave and start over. I thought Mel's actions and reactions were very believable.
It's interesting to compare the book to the show. Like typical Hollywood, the show definitely overdramatized the book. I think the show may have been better served to stick closer to the actual storyline, but that's just me. A couple of things I do like about the show is that the show made Hope a bigger part. She's almost non-existent in the book. But other than that, the whole drama with Charmaine and the storyline about Mark and Mel is much better in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. 3.5 stars rounded up. Yet I'm not sure I'll keep reading the series (because really, 21 books? Even though I enjoyed the first book, I'm not sure I'm *that* interested to invest in reading another 20 books + all the short stories). I am interested to see where the show takes the story.
This is a sweet romance story. I can relate to Mel. Although I've not lost a spouse, I understand the need to leave and start over. I thought Mel's actions and reactions were very believable.
It's interesting to compare the book to the show. Like typical Hollywood, the show definitely overdramatized the book. I think the show may have been better served to stick closer to the actual storyline, but that's just me. A couple of things I do like about the show is that the show made Hope a bigger part. She's almost non-existent in the book. But other than that, the whole drama with Charmaine and the storyline about Mark and Mel is much better in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. 3.5 stars rounded up. Yet I'm not sure I'll keep reading the series (because really, 21 books? Even though I enjoyed the first book, I'm not sure I'm *that* interested to invest in reading another 20 books + all the short stories). I am interested to see where the show takes the story.
bibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
It's impossible to write a review without referencing the Netflix Series of the same name, so I won't bother to try. If you watched that series and, like me, enjoyed it but felt that it was overwrought in places, you'll probably really like this book. It has a lot of the same sensibility without all the unnecessary ANGST of the series. Mostly it's a story about healing from trauma and finding a way to live again, and it's very romantic (naturally). I liked it better than the series (which I also liked, incidentally, just not as much).
adrianacr's review against another edition
2.0
Esta es una de las raras experiencias donde la adaptación es mejor que el libro.
Talves continúe con la saga porque ya le agarré cariño a los personajes (por la serie de Netflix), porque este libro, aunque no se publicó hace tanto tiempo, se sintió extrañamente anticuado y tengo curiosidad si toda la serie tiene el mismo feeling.
Talves continúe con la saga porque ya le agarré cariño a los personajes (por la serie de Netflix), porque este libro, aunque no se publicó hace tanto tiempo, se sintió extrañamente anticuado y tengo curiosidad si toda la serie tiene el mismo feeling.
rose7a's review against another edition
5.0
First book in the series. I WILL be reading the next book.
ambassadorfae's review against another edition
2.0
Reading this was very educational for me. My instinct is to idealize small towns, but reading this woke me up to what the reality would really be like. Ultra conventional people with their narrow views and uptight rules. Where a drug addict is expendable detritus, so don't worry about treating them with dignity or compassion. I think this is supposed to be some sort of romance - or at least a pastoral, but the whole thing left me gutted and just disgusted with humanity. Not to mention the sexist ideals of what makes a person attractive. Just gross! And so heartbreakingly disappointing. Stop the fucking planet, I want off.
Furthermore, I place this book in the category of "Apologists for the Status Quo." For instance:
1. Men are violent.
A. They are courageously keeping us safe!
2. Attractive women are Worthy of Love.
A. Other women can have a lesser version of something similar, but not fulfilling.
3. Men are players.
A. They just haven't met "the one" yet!
4. The sexual objectification of women is natural and amusing.
A. Just look at those harmless Playboy magazines under the mattress. So cute!!!
5. Guns are just a quaint aspect of country living.
A. Fact: no good person has ever committed a spontaneous act of violence.
6. Killing animals is fun and sporty!
A. Look at their adorable heads on my wall!!!
7. Big-ass, gas-guzzling trucks are practical and bad ass!
A. Especially militarized, costly ones!
8. There are "good people"...and everyone else!
A. Good people follow the rules!
9. Bad people are worthless, so you might as well shoot them in the head!
A. They couldn't have been redeemed ayway, and no one will miss them!
10. Cops and soldiers and doctors are always good!
A. Drug dealers and growers and users and alcoholics are always bad!
I could go on for another 20,000 words, but I think I will stop now. I am so sick and done!!!!!
Furthermore, I place this book in the category of "Apologists for the Status Quo." For instance:
1. Men are violent.
A. They are courageously keeping us safe!
2. Attractive women are Worthy of Love.
A. Other women can have a lesser version of something similar, but not fulfilling.
3. Men are players.
A. They just haven't met "the one" yet!
4. The sexual objectification of women is natural and amusing.
A. Just look at those harmless Playboy magazines under the mattress. So cute!!!
5. Guns are just a quaint aspect of country living.
A. Fact: no good person has ever committed a spontaneous act of violence.
6. Killing animals is fun and sporty!
A. Look at their adorable heads on my wall!!!
7. Big-ass, gas-guzzling trucks are practical and bad ass!
A. Especially militarized, costly ones!
8. There are "good people"...and everyone else!
A. Good people follow the rules!
9. Bad people are worthless, so you might as well shoot them in the head!
A. They couldn't have been redeemed ayway, and no one will miss them!
10. Cops and soldiers and doctors are always good!
A. Drug dealers and growers and users and alcoholics are always bad!
I could go on for another 20,000 words, but I think I will stop now. I am so sick and done!!!!!