Paradise Valley: Book 7 of Virgin River series

Book 7 in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series is Paradise Valley which has four stories running simultaneously. First, a continuation of the growing attraction between Dr. Cameron Michaels and Abby Crawford who, after their one-night stand in Grants Pass, is expecting twins. A crazy prenup has Abby trying desperately to drop out of sight, because her divorce settlement requires her to remain chaste in order to receive alimony-money she desperately needs to pay off staggering credit card debt incurred by her ex-husband.Cam has spent some time searching for Abby-the time with her has made him realize he wants her in his life. Finally, he moves to Virgin River to take over the old doctor's practice...and runs smack into Abby who is hiding out at Vanni's and Paul's until her babies are born. Thus begins a tenuous relationship with Cam trying to win her trust.The second story is about Rick Sudder, Jack's protegee, who has gone to Iraq. When his platoon is ambushed, he suffers serious injuries and loses a leg. Jack and his girlfriend Liz fly to Germany to see him, but Rick has problems dealing with his loss. When he returns to Virgin River, he's not the same boy. Liz still loves him but he won't allow that love to grow and he pushes her away. Counseling helps, but it's not until a confrontation that Rick comes to see that he's the obstacle in their relationship.Story three (and my favorite) brings a man never before named in earlier episodes into the light. Dan Brady, once a pot grower, has done time and is ready to resume the life he had before he made bad choices. He returns to Virgin River and is hired by Paul Haggerty on his construction crew. Little by little, the details of Dan's life come out, and gradually, he draws closer to the bar regulars. I like Dan's character and his wit-Ms. Carr has made him a wonderfully likable character.Dan rents the Creighton house. Mr. Creighton has gone to live with a brother, Mrs. Creighton has passed away, and Cheryl, formerly the town drunk, has sobered up and is in rehab and holding down a job in Eureka. She wants nothing to do with the falling-down place except to rent it to someone who will help her make the tax payment on it. Dan jumps at the chance, even though the old place needs lots of work. They strike a deal and Dan begins to rehabilitate the house in his spare time. He finds Cheryl attractive and a friendship develops. Sunday afternoons find them sharing sandwiches at a park in Eureka where they talk about their experiences and enjoy each other's company. Dan is attracted but decided to play it slow since Cheryl isn't ready for anything more than friendship.Walt Booth struggles with being separated from Muriel who is in Montana filming a movie. Finally, out of fear of losing her, he flies to see her for a long weekend and finds he isn't at all out of place there. Thus begins a series of visits where their love for each other grows.Rick and Liz make plans for the future that include being together. Abby delivers twins and she and Cam make plans to be married. Walt and Muriel grow closer than ever and I suspect, we'll see more of Dan and Cheryl in a future story.Ms. Carr has superbly woven these threads together into a satisfying book. Do your self a favor and get the entire series and read them in order.Two thumbs up on this one.

I really, really enjoyed this series and all the characters that were presented in the various books. I fell into Virgin River quite by accident and I am so happy to have read the entire series. I tried to read a previous book by the same author and I just couldn't get into it for one reason or another; but I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each and everyone of the books in this series; every single one of them. Throughout the series Ms. Carr kept a number of main people while introducing new folks and focusing on some more than others. I never once felt that main people from other stories were in other books for no reason and I loved "touching base" with them every so often and growing with them. I wish Ms. Carr would write more about Virgin River but 10 years is a long time to keep a series going and I totally understand her picking up other stories and working with those. Don't misunderstand me, each of the books can be read on their own and you will fully understand the characters and what previously happened as Ms. Carr does a great job of getting people up to speed on previous things. This one was by far one of my favorites. The two main characters Rick and Liz pop in and out of previous books but this is their book and it is so well written that I can't help but thank Ms. Carr for taking the time research to write about all the things that happened to them as well as the support that was provided to them. When we first meet Liz she is 15/16 years old while Rick is 17/18 I'm so not going to go into details but this story takes place a number of years later with Liz getting ready to finish high school and Rick in the Marines. I loved these kids like they were my own and I felt for them as well. This book really got me (can you tell??). If you can read the series it is worth every page turn, if not read the first seven (I doubt you would be able to walk away though).

WALT / MURIEL: Muriel is working out of town on a movie. She comes home to visit Walt twice, but when he is unwilling to visit her in Montana, she puts the kibosh on the relationship. After a little insight from Vanny, Walt gets his s*** together and is in Montana the next weekend.CAMERON / ABBY: Abby is getting more and more pregnant every day. They slowly tell more and more people the truth about the babies (even if on accident). Cameron takes her for her first ultrasound and John knows immediately the twins are Cameron's. After being firm about his involvement in the babies lives, Abby finally gives in and gives him a chance.LUKE / SHELBY: Will be getting married soonJACK / MEL: Jack is having a hard time because he can't fix Rick and it is tearing him up.Paul / Vanny: are backup support for Walt and AbbyMike / Bree: Bree becomes Abby lawyer and runs interference with her ex.DAN / CHERYL: Cheryl's mother dies and she is forced to clean out the house. She can't stand to be there, so she rents it out to Dan. Dan agrees to fix it up while living there. While bringing her rent checks to Eureka, they begin a very slow progressing relationship.RICK / LIZZY / JACK: Rick is injured in Iraq. Jack gets the phone call and immediately packs up and takes Lizzy with him to Germany where Rick is being treated. Rick is in a bad place in his head and in a lot of pain. He pushes everyone away. When he finally come home, he ends things with Lizzy, Jack and the town. When Liz ignores him, he loses his s*** and a very unlikely hero steps in. Liz is not the same frail 14 yr. old from book 1.

Great read. I am loving the series more and more as it goes. I cannot wait to keep reading and keeping up with the story!

I love that the people of Virgin River are all a family, that they come together to support one another.It makes me want to pack up and move there. I just can't get enough and I pray the stories never end.

My love for this author might have started with Netflix but with each book, I read the characters fill me with wonder.The book was an emotional one as this is a character we have already leant so much about and they feel like family. I love the way the author gives us a new romance in each book but she doesn't forget the characters we have falling in love with as we get to see their ongoing life in Virgin River and beyond.

The cast of people continues to grow and weave into the lives of our favourite characters from book 1. Another great book about the lives of those in Virgin River which keeps me turning the pages to discover where they are headed to next.

Robyn Carr's Virgin Valley series is very special. As it's book 7 we are now firmly rooted in the community. This book includes 4 consecutive Stories which makes it a fast read and never dull. We have met all the characters before so it's like visiting old friends. While The story of Rick & Liz continues on it's dramatic way - Liz has matured a lot by this book and has to find an inner strength to cope with injured war torn Vet that is now Rick. The paediatrician Cameron and the lovely Abby finally find each other as they welcome twins, Walt and Muriel continue their mature long distance relationship and the witty dialogue makes them the most interesting couple and finally the unexpected couple - ex-con Dan and recovering alcoholic Cheryl spark a special friendship. All in all a good read. Should be made into a soapie!

Another leaf turner by this talented author.I love every page of these books... getting to know all the new arrivals and catching up with the original residents of Virgin River. I shall be sorry when I come to the end of the series.Love the Netflix series too.

Good description of area