Bring Me Home For Christmas by Robyn Carr (Virgin River #16)
October 25, 2011
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Mira
Reviewed by Helyce
Note: Light spoilers from previous books.
The character of Denny Cutler was introduced to the Virgin River series in a previous book. Denny had a lot going on in his life. His mom had been ill with cancer and just before she died she dropped a bomb on him–the man he had grown up thinking was his dad was not his biological father. In a very bad place, he breaks up with his girlfriend, Becca, and signs up for another tour of duty which takes him to Afghanistan. When he returns, he takes the name his mom gave him and heads to Virgin River to meet the man he thinks is his father. What he finds in Virgin River is so much more than he ever could have expected. He settles there, taking on a few jobs and making a life for himself. He’s looking forward to a visit from his buddies who are coming up to fish and hunt over Thanksgiving.
It’s been three years since Denny left her, and Becca Timm is at a crossroads. She’s been dating Doug for about a year and as the holidays approach she gets the feeling that he’s getting serious. She feels he’s about to pop the question, but she knows she can’t accept until she has closure on what happened between her and Denny. When she learns her brother is heading up to Virgin River over Thanksgiving for some hunting and fishing and to see his friend Denny, she tags along, much to her brother’s chagrin. She promises to stay out of the way and she assures him that she really just wants to try hunting and fishing; that her decision to go has nothing to do with seeing Denny again. She is completely unprepared when she sees Denny, though. She’s immediately swamped with feelings and longings for the boy that broke her heart. She’s determined though, and does her best to act like she is not affected by his mere presence. Denny doesn’t do much better. In fact, his immediate response is so uncharacteristic for him he stuns himself. He almost can’t believe she is there, right in front of him.
Unfortunately, things take a turn when Becca hurts her ankle forcing her to stay in Virgin River longer than the week she had planned. She’s not exactly upset about the situation, as Denny has moved her into his place to take care of her. Denny and Becca both realize they never stopped loving each other and are determined to make it work this time, even if Denny has to leave Virgin River to be with Becca.
It’s not long before Becca falls under the spell of Virgin River. The strong sense of community appeals to her and in a very short period of time, she begins to feel like she belongs. When Jack, the unofficial mayor of the town, makes her a job offer she can’t believe her luck, but it’s a big decision to leave all that she’s known behind-even if it means being with the man she loves.
I love this series! It is almost impossible not to fall in love with each and every character in these books. It is heavy with strong, sexy men, most of whom have had a military career at one time, as well as equally strong and intelligent women. Previous books have dealt with real issues like domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, rape, dementia, cancer, life after war, drugs, abandonment, and poverty just to name a few. In each installment, we revisit previous characters and get updates into their lives. The idea of true love, family, commitment and a community that takes care of its inhabitants both young and old, flows through the pages of these books. Virgin River is a magical place where its characters may come to visit, but are often compelled to stay and they are never disappointed in that choice.
Rating: B
Recent Reviews:
The Book Reading Gals – A-
The Reading Frenzy
Romance Around the Corner – 3/5
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
Great review! I love love love this series and was really upset I couldn’t get it as an ebook as I have with the previous books so am still waiting for Mr postman to bring me this one! But am much more excited about it now after reading your review! :)
Thank you Ally! I’m sorry it wasn’t available for you. I bought it in ebook form for my Nook a few days after it’s release. It was even discounted. If you’re up to date on the series, then you know Denny’s back story-it’s nice to see him get his HEA.
Great review H. I have never read Carr but this one looks very sweet.
It is sweet-that’s exactly the word! But I think that’s why I like it so much-Carr has created a town I wish existed. I’d move there tomorrow!
These kinds of book covers always send me walking in the other direction. Good think I like to read reviews or I never would have considered this one. Sounds very sweet. :)
Hi Sophia-I hear you on the cover! No half naked man flesh to reel us in! But if you like really heartfelt romance, where you wish you could walk into the pages of the book, you might want to visit Virgin River.
I was surprised by the fact that Denny was getting this book, I think that by being such an important character in the series he kind of deserved one of the longer books instead of the Christmas Special. At least I wanted more promotion, I didn’t know this was The Denny until I started the book, never made the connection when I read the blurb. But you’re absolutely right, this series is addictive, are you reading Hidden Summit? I’m happy to see that Carr’s giving the series a new direction, because it was getting a bit stale IMO. The latest books have been great in part because the addition of new characters that aren’t that closely related to the original members of Virgin River.
Great review! ;)
I agree that the Christmas novella is usually a lesser known character or even someone we haven’t met before, but I think we got to know Denny really well in the books released earlier this year. And this is not part of an anthology like the Christmas story usually is either, so it’s a bit longer than the normal Christmas novella. And yes, the influence of the new characters is terrific and while these books do tend to have a similar outline I adore the fact that we revisit almost all previous characters with each installment. I agree on promotion-it’s like she doesn’t update her website 75% of the year and then Boom, “here are my upcoming releases”.
WAHOO! glad you liked it. I picked this up at Target because A) Carr books are great winter reads and B) love that cover. Liked her novel last year- saving this one to read under a Christmas tree!!
This one is good May! Short, but good. Denny is such an established character already so it was easy to focus on the romance in this one. I can’t wait to see what she has in store with her trilogy in 2012.
I’ve never read Robyn Carr – I think I should :)
I feel this is one of the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should commentary on few common issues, The site taste is perfect, the articles is actually great : D. Excellent job, cheers
It’s really a cool and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I was just searching for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your site. I wonder what is the Google’s problem that does not rank this type of informative websites closer to the top. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.