Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tuesday Review: Bring Me Home for Christmas



Bring Me Home for Christmas
By Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: October 25, 2011




Becca Timm knows that a proposal from Doug Carey, the law student she’s been dating for the past year, is imminent. He’s an ambitious guy from the right kind of family, just the kind of son-in-law her mother ordered, but Becca has unresolved feelings for Denny Cutler, a former boyfriend, feelings that haven’t disappeared in the three years since he broke her heart. She needs to see Denny and get over him before she can plan a future with Doug. Since her twin brother Rich is planning to join her ex and two other Marine buddies in her ex’s new hometown for a Thanksgiving week hunting and fishing, Becca decides to tag along.

Denny has found a job he loves and friends as close as family in Virgin River. He’s looking forward to guys-only time with his closest friends from his old life. The last thing he expects to see is Becca, and he’s not shy about revealing his feelings.

When jealousy leads to an argument that leads to careless action that leaves Becca with a broken ankle and Denny with a load of guilt, Becca’s week in Virgin River becomes weeks. Denny insists she stay in his apartment, and proximity plus chemistry produces lust and love in heaping measures. But Denny’s found the place he belongs in Virgin River, and as much as Becca likes its citizens, it’s not her home. Can Christmas in a place where taking care of one another is more than a holiday tradition change her mind?

This is the fourteenth novel (plus two novellas) in Carr’s Virgin River series. I always enjoy another visit to Virgin River, and reading BMHFC was a delightful head start on the upcoming holiday season. I love the holiday traditions, and seeing Becca fall in love with the town was as much fun as seeing her and Denny admit they still loved each other. Carr promised “sweet and sentimental” for the second Virgin River Christmas book, and she delivered. It’s a sweet story, low on conflict, and a lovely gift for devoted Virgin River fans. It’s probably not the best choice for a reader new to the series. If you have never read a Virgin River book, I suggest you begin with Virgin River, Shelter Mountain, Whispering Rock, and A Virgin River Christmas. As for me, I never miss a Robyn Carr book. I’m already looking forward to Hidden Summit, which will be released December 27.

Have you been to Virgin River? What’s your favorite Virgin River book? Are you a fan of “sweet and sentimental” Christmas romances?


4 comments:

Hellie Sinclair said...

I love Christmas...and series. I usually like things a little spicier than "sweet & sentimental", but it would depend what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes, there are days when the world calls for something sweet & sentimental to remind you there are good things still. :) There is room on the bookshelf for all levels of spiciness. :)

irisheyes said...

Looking forward to this one, Janga. I liked what I read on the excerpt page. Sometimes her heroes are too good to be true and I loved that Denny was like "What the hell are you doing here!?" That seems a pretty authentic reaction to me.

The first 3 Virgin River books will always be my favorites I think. She hasn't done anything to knock my socks off since those first three. The first 3 just had that certain something that just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I still go back and read all 3 quite a lot. That doesn't mean I don't love all her books or that she isn't an autobuy for me cause I think she'll always be that. I know when I pick up one of her books that I'll enjoy the story and I'll visit old friends. I love that!

Janga said...

Hellie, BMHFC is not exactly spice-free. I'd classify it as warm rather than hot, but it's certainly spicier than Debbie Macomber. I definitely agree that there's room for all heat levels in romance. I like variety. As long as it's well-written, I'm good with everything from Inspirationals to HOT.

Janga said...

I liked the reunited lovers theme, Irish. I too think the first three books are the gold standard, but some of the others have been excellent and none has been a bad book. I don't know if it's possible to write a series the length of the Virgin River books and escape some unevenness in quality. Even in much shorter series, I find some books better than others.