That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber 

In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says "I do." 

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods 

Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will ... if Savannah Holiday's aunt Mae as anything to do with it. 

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr 

When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town's Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it's his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues --- and tails --- wagging!

My Rating:

My Rating:

I got this because it has the Virgin River book 8 as one of the 3 stories.  I also LOVE Sherryl Woods so I wanted to read her story as well.  I don't have a lot of exposure to Debbie Macomber but I really enjoyed her story as well.  They were all based around the Christmas holiday and of course all have a happy ending.  These felt more like novels then short stories, there was so much information and romance in each story.  If you read the Virgin River series, you don't have to read this story to continue the series but it would help you figure out how the local vet finds love and how the puppies come into the story line.  I don't know if Cherryl Woods or Debbie Macomber's stories are connected to any existing works but I didn't feel left wanting for information or confused about how any of the characters were connected.  I would definitely recommend picking this book up if you want some feel good holiday stories or just some good short romance stories!

Paradise Valley, Forbidden Falls, and Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr

Paradise Valley
Goodreads Description:

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq--his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart?

As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town's famous welcoming spirit. Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he's looking for a place to start over. He'd like it to be Virgin River...if he can find a way in. But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself.

For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were...and to find the dreams they thought they'd lost.

My Rating:

My Review:

Ricks story was hard to read but very well written.  I just felt so bad for him and it makes you realize how hard some soldiers have it.  It was very vivid and realistic and truthful about how a wounded soldier returning from a war will missing parts would act and feel.  I hurt for him and his loved ones and I enjoyed reading about him healing and evolving.  Definitely recommend!

Forbidden Falls:

Goodreads Description:

VIRGIN RIVER IS ABUZZ WITH THE NEWS THAT A STRANGER BOUGHT THE TOWN'S ABANDONED CHURCH ON EBAY. THE BUYER, A YOUNG WIDOWED REVEREND, IS A LITTLE LIKE THE BUILDING ITSELF: IN NEED OF SOME TENDER LOVING CARE. 

Noah Kincaid arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and revitalize his new purchase, but he's going to need some help. An ad in the local paper brings and improbably candidate his way. 

"Pastor's assistant" is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Ellie Baldwin. With her colorful clothes and even more colorful past, Ellie needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. Noah can't help but admire her spunk and determination, and she may just be the breath of fresh air he needs. 

The unlikely duo may come from two different worlds, but they have more in common than anyone would have expected. And in Virgin River lasting happiness is never out of the question. 

My Rating:

My Rating:

New Blood in Virgin River!  And it's a Minister no less!  I really enjoyed Noah's story and I loved how he found his assistant.  I felt horrible for Ellie but sadly things like what happened to her happen a lot.  There is sometimes injustice in the justice system.  Ellie worked her 'butt' off to get her children back and deal with her crazy ex husband who was even more crazy then she thought!  Noah is a unique minister with his own issues but from the first look he's battling his attraction to his assistant!  Great romance, mystery, and action in this book!  Also has some awesome action with other characters in the town!  Again a book that completely sucked me in!

Angel's Peak:

Goodreads Description:

FOUR YEARS AGO, AIR FORCE SWEETHEARTS FRANCI DUNCAN AND SEAN RIORDAN REACHED AN IMPASSE. SHE WANTED MARRIAGE AND A FAMILY. HE DIDN'T. BUT A CHANCE MEETING PROVES THAT THE BITTER BREAKUP HASN'T COOLED THEIR SIZZLING CHEMISTRY. 

Sean has settled down in spite of himself --- he's not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history ... but that's not all they share. 

Franci's secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy's emerald-green eyes. Sean is stunned --- and furious with Franci for the deception. 

News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle --- and the kind of love that can move mountains. 

My Rating:

My Rating:

Sean just saw his brother 'bite the dust' as he calls in and with a huge smile on his face.  Sean goes to a bar in a coastal town and runs into the love of his life, Franci.  He and her had a serious relation ship for 2 years but out of the blue she demanded more and he wouldn't budge and she left. The instant he sees her he realizes how monumental a mistake he had made and needs to get her back.  There are complications though and she's skittish.  Franci didn't want to risk rejection and so she left Sean with out telling him she was pregnant.  Now she has a 3 1/2 year old daughter, Rosie, and Sean finds her.  They have a lot to deal with but there are sparks and they just start to smoke every time they are near each other.  The romance is good and I love Franci's near miss with 'Professor Hottie'.  I love how accepting Sean's family is and the side story of Maureen, Sean's mother, and her budding romance!  Now I want to see Aiden, Patrick, and Colin 'bite the dust'.  

I just love how many different families are inter connected and how diverse the town is.  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!  

Heiress without a Cause by Sara Ramsey

Goodreads Description:

One title to change his life… 

A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap. 

One chance to break the rules… 

Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain. 

One season to fall in love… 

Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

My Rating:

My Review:


The female main character, Madeline, has always followed societies rules but also has a passion for theater.  She LOVES to perform.  After almost 30 years, she finally get's her chance to perform even if it's under the disguise of a french widow.  However nothing ever goes 100% well and first a mysterious Duke, Ferguson,  comes back into London and seeks her help in assisting his sisters debut then that same Duke arrives to her last show which is the spark to the fuse that causes a whole lot of other issues.

Mad, as she is called by Ferguson, is a very brave passionate woman but she tries to hide herself to fit into society.  Ferguson is the only person it seems to see her for who she truly is and it makes him feel things he'd rather not feel.

This story is about the characters discovering who they are, and what love is worth in their lives.  I really loved how it was written and the little twists in the plot that made it just more amazing to read!  I will definitely be picking up the second in the series!

SEAL of my Dreams by by Robyn Carr (Foreword), Jamie Alden, Stephanie Bond, Kylie Bryant, Helen Brenna, Helen Kay Dimon, Cindy Gerard, Tara Janzen , Leslie Kelly, Elle Kennedy, Alison Kent, Jo Leigh, Gennita Low, Marliss Melton, Christie Ridgway, Barbara Samuel, Roxanne St. Claire, Stephanie Tyler , Loreth Anne White

Goodreads Description:

Honor, duty, courage, passion . . . the men of the Navy SEALs are a special breed of hero, and in these novellas by eighteen top romance authors the SEALs are celebrated not only as symbols of devoted service to their country but as the kind of men every woman wants to love. They’ll rescue a damsel in distress and her lap dog, too. They’ll battle hometown dramas and international bad guys. When it comes to giving away their hearts, they’ll risk everything.

All proceeds from sales of SEAL of My Dreams go to the Veterans Research Corporation, a non-profit fundraiser for veterans’ medical research.

Between them, the authors of SEAL of My Dreams have won dozens of writing awards including multiple RITAs from Romance Writers of America. Their nearly 600 published novels have sold at least 35 million copies worldwide. The SEAL of My Dreams roster includes many of the best-known authors in modern romance fiction. In addition, many have strong family connections to the servicemen and women of our nation’s military, and many specialize in novels featuring heroes and heroines from all branches of service.

My Rating:

My Review:

This anthology is stocked full of awesome romance!  In each story, there is a Service man an his unique story of hardship and finding love!  Each story sucked me in and there wasn't one I didn't LOVE!  I'm usually not a fan of anthologies but I have to say this book was fabulous!  There were way more stories then I'm use to in an anthology and I think that helped me fall in love with it.  There was just so much romance and love in those pages!

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly "not" whom she has in mind.

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things...two very "good" things.

My Rating:

My Review:

You are introduced to Shelby a little in prior books, she is Vanessa's Cousin who was taking care of her ailing mother.  Shelby's mother passes and she finally gets to live her life.  She goes to Virgin River to stay with her Uncle at his ranch till she decided what to do.  Even before she arrives she meets her fate in the form of Luke, however neither know it yet!  Luke is a lot older then Shelby and doesn't want to ruin her life like his was when he was her age of 25.  Luke has a lot of baggage and Shelby is totally free of it.  They are interesting together and Luke is the typical Military man, hard shell but a softy inside.  He finds Art, a 30 year old with Downs Syndrome, squatting in one of his cabins and he helps him out. And that is just one example of his soft heart!  Their romance is hot and sweet!  You learn a lot of other members of the town especially Walk and Muriel, and the town drunk Cheryl.  Great read and I just love learning about all the town members and seeing them all live their lives and fix their own problems!

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

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.

My Rating:

My Review:



I was really looking forward to this story.  Matt died in book 3 and you first found out that Paul had fallen in love with Vanessa a long time ago.  Paul felt he had no right to those feelings and admiralty kept them to himself, his friend and his wife never knew.  After Matt passed, Paul stepped up to help Vanessa give birth and live her life with out Matt.  Vanessa realizes she has feelings for Paul and Paul, not knowing Vanessa's feelings, tries to push her away so she doesn't find out his true feelings.  A few things happen and Paul is forces to show his hand and is glad he does.  There are so many true feelings in this book and you feel like you are there with the characters!  I love when that happens!  Highly recommend!

A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

Goodreads Description:

Last Christmas, Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband Bobby. This Christmas she’s come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him. 

Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby’s shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived Stateside. Since then, Marcie’s letters to Ian have gone unanswered. 

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior. 

Ian doesn’t know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what’s worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

My Rating:

My Review:


This was the 4th in the series, and I was a little let down.  It was still a great read but I would have preferred to see other town members stories first!  They aren't even mentioned much in the following book in the series.  It just seems a little out of order I guess.  I liked Marcie's determination even though she's stupid about somethings and risks her life.  I loved Ian and his tortured soul. I also wished there was a little more information about other members of the town.  I did love what Mel did for the town with her Christmas tree idea!

One pet peeve I have is when order isn't right.  And there is a HUGE mistake in this book with reference to timeline.  See below for Spoiler:


















Lilly has breast cancer and it is diagnosed and she dies in the 3rd book but this book talks about Lilly being at the tree lighting.  I am almost 100% sure that in book 3 she dies prior to Christmas.  It could be that I'm wrong.  In book 3, it's just stated that she dies in her sleep with her family around but then why would she be at the tree lighting in the 4th book it just confused me.