OK, where do I start this discussion - I think it would be good to talk about the wonderful array of colourful characters.

I am intrigued by Jim Post alias Dr Jim Stump! I can't wait to see more of him in the next two books. Yes, I liked Tom Toopeek and wondered at first why June and he hadn't married. That thought didn't last very long though.

I just loved Aunt Myrna! What a spunky old lady she was. Robyn Carr has the ability to create such a wide range of believeable characters that touch the reader in many different ways. These characters's lives are crafted in such a way that it is impossible not to be interested and drawn into the story. I could go on and on about the people in this book.

Discovering more about Jerry Powell and John Stone was good too especially since they appeared in VR.

Everything about this book I loved but that can be a discussion for another day...first the characters!

Linda

I liked the fact that John obviously had a lot of money but he was so down to earth and natural that he fitted into the valley so easily and that people accepted him straight away. Initially I wasn't sure about Susan and I thought OK that marriage won't last for long, they'll end up separating but no I was wrong they really do suit each other and I actually grew to like Susan, very much actually.

You know what is so different and refreshing about this series...there isn't one marriage (bar Justine and Sam) and that wasn't such a big deal to this book. This is classified as a romance novel but it is so different from any other romance book I have read. June might be the leading character but there are so many other figures that are just as big and important. It really isn't her book alone it belongs to so many people and most of them are already married! How different is that for a romance book.

Linda

It would be nice if Elmer met someone - if Charlotte wasn't already married I would have put those two together.

What did you think about all the little sideline stories in this book - the Mull family (now that is an interesting family and so much can be added to their story), Leah & Frank, domestic abuse. Robyn Carr has covered a whole range of topics in this very well written story.

I did feel sorry for young Christina - I thought initially when she complained about John that her husband was jealous and had forced her into changing doctors...I hadn't actually thought it was because of physical abuse. I loved the attitude of the deputy and Sam for that matter in regards to the abusive husband. Not that this is an excuse or anything but Christina was only 16 (I think that was her age) and her husband, who I imagine was very young too, had probably been forced into marrying her and was angry etc - not that that gives him the right to be physical or anything but I guess he may have been frustrated and not ready for the responsibility of a family. This was never said though in the book. I felt satisfied when he was given the same treatment he'd given his wife.

I will have to reread the fishing scene at the end - it was the early hours of the morning by that stage of my reading - I remember the conversation about cancer - I just thought they were reliving the tragedies of losing their wives and their common experiences and relating that back to Justine. I too will go back and reread that section.

I am going to start the second book after lunch - you have me needing to find out more about the Mull family now.

As a parent, I understand why Tom is so concerned when he finds out that Tanya is slipping around to see Frank. I was amazed at Tan's maturity at i5. Again I hope Jerry gets a firmer hold on Frank and helps him. I have hopes for Frank in the last book.

I will admit that old Mikos brought tears to my eyes. You could tell he was ready to go Home. Was so glad June took Sadie.

Boy isn't Jessie the last person you would expect to find working in a doctors office! I love the relationship that old hard boiled Charlotte has with her. Sort of a love/hate thing. To me Charlotte is an interesting character, as is Jessie.

An Preacher Wickham!!!! I think RC took a bold chance when she brought out his lecherous ways and was sucessful. Its such a tender area to explore but she did it wonderfully. I loved the part about the men and Myrna at the poker table watching the ladies boycott. I must say that Clarice Wickham did get on the nerves with her blind attitude.

And finally who do you think the "Angel" that pulled June out of the wrecked jeep was? It's something that was eluded to but not given an answer to. You know I read a couple of the Virgin River series out of order, so I'm thinking a possibility of Dan Brady??

Linda

I think RC was very brave with her Preacher Wickham storyline - it is a sensitive topic to deal with especially when the predator is a man of God. His wife got under my skin as well but I guess her embarrassment and frustrations regarding her husband had made her bitter and twisted.

Jessie is the wildcard in this book - I just love her! Her characters is developing into a very interesting person.

Linda

Sorry about me being so late coming in here...I had a few issues this week!

All I can say about this series is.....WONDERFUL!!!

I give alot of my books away, but these are keepers!

Linda