Sunrise Point

Love the story line and the characters, every book robin car writes has a different story line and you're not quite sure how they're going to end up! It's not typical but it's so satisfying to read and makes you feel emotions you weren't quite sure you could get from a book! I hope she never stops writing! My friends are tired of hearing me tell them to read her books, and a lot of them have and can't put them down.

I rarely leave reviews on books, but this is a happy exception. Robyn Carr does an incredible job of fleshing out the characters, world building, creating even side characters you can’t help but love. The relationship between Nora and Tom wasn’t forced or too Insta-love like. It grew at a slower pace and felt natural. Nora’s girls were a cute addition to the book and I felt like they gave the story another layer. Maxie is my favorite - she’s the grandma I want to be in 30-40 years.

I thought this book was a great read. Another reviewer commented on how it felt a little different from many of the other Virgin River books - I agree with that and think that these differences made the book better AND worse than others in the series in certain ways. I loved that the story departed from its focus on the main couple much less than in previous books. I am one of the exceptions who, with the other books, appreciated the opportunity to visit with old characters but frequently felt like Robyn Carr attempted to incorporate too much of that, to the detriment of the main story (which often didn't FEEL like the main story because of that tendency). Secondly, I've always heard other reviewers rave about Carr's gift for dialogue but never really got why they felt that way until this book. In earlier stories, I actually cringed throughout a lot of the exchanges between characters because I just couldn't imagine a group of ex-marines sitting around, chattering to one another about the joys of pregnancy and child-rearing. This book featured mostly the back-and-forth between the main characters, Tom and Nora, and a handful of secondary characters like Tom's wonderful grandmother, Maxie - I found that dialogue to be believable, charming, and at times, very funny. Finally, as others may have already mentioned, Mel's presence in this book is much reduced, and accordingly there was none of the odd, distracting, and often judgmental focus on things like women's health and breastfeeding. One thing I didn't like as much about this book was the lack of sexiness. I've always considered Robyn Carr a little more subtle in this regard than many other romance authors, but she's usually still considerably steamier than this - there were really only one or two love scenes between Tom and Nora, and they were sweet but somewhat anticlimatic. I have nothing against a slow-burn romance and, really, often find that sort of thing preferable, due to the intensity created. I just don't feel that readers get as much payoff in that department as they may be hoping for in this book. Secondly, I didn't really like the portrayal of Darla, the woman Tom considers pursuing instead of Nora. I did enjoy the plot device she provided; however, I don't know why authors feel the need to make a character like this unlikeable to serve her intended purpose. To me, that was an over-simplifying and unnecessary touch, and I think it would have been interesting to see Tom realize Nora was the right person for him, even IF Darla had been friendly and thoughtful, in addition to beautiful, fashionable, and successful. Also, as some others have pointed out, a new character (Hank Cooper) was introduced via a storyline that wasn't particularly interesting and didn't really add anything to or complement the main story. I was repeatedly taken by surprise when the book would abruptly drop the main storyline and check in with the seemingly unrelated secondary tale, and toward the end, I started skimming the stuff about Coop, Jack, and company. Finally (and I'll admit that this is nitpicky), was I the only weirdo who was completely (albeit temporarily) taken out of the story when Nora got excited talking about Jeter putting the Yankees-Red Sox game into overtime? I am not a sports fanatic, but even I know that baseball goes into extra innings, not overtime. It's a small error, but one that really kills the point of that scene, which is to portray Nora as a fun girl who can hold her own in a sports talk with Tom. I feel like I've listed a lot of shortcomings, so don't let that mislead you into thinking I felt this was a poor book. Ultimately, Sunrise Point was a sweet, slowly developing love story, that, in spite of some small problems, kept drawing me back in once I started reading it.

I read all of the Virgin River series and absolutely loved it. There is just enough steamy mixed with adventure, mystery, sometimes crime, and lots of drama! I couldn't put them down. It only took me about 4 months to read all of this series (many many books to enjoy!) and I wish there were more! 10/10 highly recommend this series! It is way better than the TV rendition.

Coming back to Virgin River via the 19th book in the series, Sunrise Point, was like coming home. It's almost like the opening theme of Cheers - where everybody knows your name (and your business). Nora Crane has had a very tough life and ended up dumped unceremoniously in Virgin River by her scumbag ex. She must figure out a way to make a living for herself and her two young daughters, Berry and Fay. Enter a seasonal job at Cavanaugh's apple orchard. Nora's never picked apples in her life, but she's willing to work hard. At first she's turned away, but Maxie Cavanaugh hires her on when her grandson Tom wouldn't. At the same time, Nora's past is catching up with her... I read Sunrise Point in essentially one sitting. I love the characters and the genteel charm of Virgin River. Nora reminds me a lot of someone very close to me and I admire her strength of character and her determination. I absolutely hated Darla, the widow of a Marine buddy of Tom's. She was just not what Tom or anyone in Virgin River needed. Sunrise Point is a delicate and delectable romance, filled with great characters in a wonderful town. I sometimes wish I lived in a place like Virgin River. It just goes to show - what you think you want is not always what you truly need. Virgin River Series: Virgin River (1), Shelter Mountain (2), Whispering Rock (3), A Virgin River Christmas (4), Second Chance Pass (5), Temptation Ridge (6), Paradise Valley (7), "Under the Christmas Tree" (novella) (8), Forbidden Falls (9), Angel's Peak (10), Moonlight Road (11), "Midnight Confessions" (novella) (12), Promise Canyon (13), Wild Man Creek (14), Harvest Moon (15), Bring Me Home for Christmas (16), Hidden Summit (17), Redwood Bend (18), Sunrise Point (19), My Kind of Christmas (20)

I really liked this book. I wish I didn't have to read them straight through, but once I get going I can't stop. I find excuses to keep reading...not tired, will sit in the parking lot at school and wait for the kids to come out, go to work late to miss traffic. Any excuse to keep reading. This book was no excption. The story telling was the same good quality. The plot and people a little different as the steamy parts don't happen until near the end, however the relationship grows as you read...obviously we'll hear about Hank in the near future as he was a new "man in town" being introduced for future writing. What do you think the "belongings" he has to pick up from his friend are??? Until next winter when we get our news from Virgin River, I'll wait with baited breath.

Each time that I read one of the books from Virgin River series, I am amazed at how you are drawn into the story as if you know these characters. She takes realistic situations such as Tom Cavanaugh and Nora Crane and presents them like it could be real life of two people that the author knows. Tom wanting the preserve the family orchard and the independence of Nora trying to make a living for her two daughters bring together family values and love. Maxie Cavanaugh is a wise but suddle character to keep both lives in the right direction. She allows them to make their own decesions about what each need. Competion with a character who is out for what she can get just add to real life drama that is seen in today's lifestyles. I would recommend this book. It is a fast read book and you do not want to put it down until you know the end. HM

I've enjoyed reading the Virgin River series, including Sunrise Point. Robyn Carr's books are a pleasure to read--and frankly hard to put down. For anyone *new* to this series, I would recommend starting with the first book and reading them sequentially. While you can read an individual book, you'll have a greater understanding and appreciation of the community's *residents* and the strength of Carr's writing. I love how this series features military veterans and recognizes the contributions they make to our country and the challenges many face after leaving the service. If the publisher of Sunrise Point is *listening,* there is a missing page in the Kindle digital version of Sunrise Point around pages 72-73. It would be helpful if this page could be added.