Beloved author Robyn Carr presents the story of a woman who needs a change [and] gets something very different than she bargained for (Booklist, starred review). Recently widowed, grieving Los Angeles midwife/nurse Melinda Monroe answers a small upstate towns ad for help. Nestled amongst Californias giant redwoods, quaint Virgin River is far removed from the city where Melindas beloved husband was violently taken from her. Upon arriving, however, she discovers that her rent-free living quarters are beyond rusticand home to many critters. And then there are the unsavory marijuana growers lurking in the surrounding woods. But before she can change her mind and head back to L.A., Melinda becomes endeared to Virgin Rivers host of quirky charactersincluding bar owner Jack Sheridan, who may be just the man to make her smile again. The poignant first novel in a series built around people finding love where they least expect it, Virgin River flows perfectly with Thérèse Plummers tender narration