At first, NOTHING HAPPENS for such a long time, even though they are made aware of a GIANT forest fire heading their way and they have about a 10-day paddle to do to get to safety. If that does not create tension what does?

Vanessa Rutledge, supported by the Virgin River community during her darkest days, now seeks a promising future. Katie Malone’s journey to Virgin River is disrupted by a flat tire and unfavourable weather. Struggling to change the tyre and with hungry children in tow, Katie is relieved when a group of bikers offers assistance. Among them is Dylan, and there is an immediate spark of attraction between them. But Katie, a practical single mother, and Dylan, a commitment-phobe, are not seeking long-term romance. The series is set in the fictional town of Virgin River in Northern California, and follows the lives and romances of the residents of the town.

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Temperate rivers are influenced by many factors including geology, climate, soils, sediment type, flow, as well as human activity. The complex interactions of the non-anthropogenic controlling factors have led to a wonderful diversity of river type throughout the British Isles. Sadly, almost all rivers in the UK have suffered significant and long-lasting modification by unsympathetic management, that has all but destroyed this variety, creating watercourses that are simplified conduits for water and sediment, designed primarily to drain the land and reduce flood risk. This volume aims to help reverse this, illustrating using over 200 images and descriptions, this variety of rivers in Britain, highlighting the many forms that temperate river systems take and providing an accessible summary of the underlying river science knowledge base. Peter Heller creates this wilderness journey with broad strokes of the lay of the land. He surrounds us with full, lush views of the dense trees and wildlife along the Maskwa River. His finite descriptors have us, as readers, crouched low within the canoe ourselves. We listen to the waves lapping the shore. There is a peacefulness about this as we are lulled by the beauty of it all. Amidst the snow-covered redwood forests, the tranquil town of Virgin River becomes a picturesque setting for holiday festivities. The tight-knit community comes together annually to decorate a grand tree in the town square, singing carols and sharing hot chocolate. This year, a delightful surprise awaits, bringing two individuals on a path to connection. Fellow marine Ian Buchanan carried Bobby’s broken body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago, only to disappear once they returned to the United States. Marcie’s letters to Ian have remained unanswered ever since. I admire Heller, his range of subject matter, his tightness send believability of plot. This book about friendship, starvation and survival has been done before, but not as well, and not with these two very special characters. I can't wait to see what he does next. But, whatever he does I'm in for the next adventure.

And it doesn't really matter because Marc Martin puts that character and us on boat on that river and as we float along we get to view dramatic changes of scenery. We leave the city and find farmland, for example, but not before we see the less desirable aspects of the city. With a story about a dude who maybe killed his wife on the river and the two young fellas who happen to stumble upon him both with and without his better half accounted for that also included a side dish of . . . . . At twenty-five, Shelby desires freedom and adventure after devoting five years to caring for her mother. She yearns for travel, education, and a romantic relationship. Unexpectedly, during her visit to Virgin River, she crosses paths with Luke Riordan, who is far from the ideal partner she imagined. Amid the holiday spirit and the enchantment of Virgin River, Becca rediscovers her feelings for Denny, realising that he has grown and changed. She learns to embrace the present moment and appreciate the love that has blossomed between them, allowing herself to be swept up in the joyous season and the possibility of a new beginning. Virgin River Book 17: Hidden Summit (2012)

Shelby McIntyre has carefully crafted plans for her future, envisioning a refined and educated Mr. Right. However, fate introduces her to the rugged and unconventional Luke Riordan. The first part of this slim book meanders along at a leisurely pace. The author is a travel and adventure writer and it shows. Normally I’ll put down a book with descriptive writing, but in this book it works. As with the other two books I’ve read by this author the audio version works particularly well with his writing style. Kelly realises that falling for someone with significant personal baggage is a new experience for her, but she believes that some things are worth fighting for. She navigates the complexities of her growing relationship with Lief, while also dealing with the challenges presented by Courtney. Kelly learns that perhaps a troublesome teenager isn’t any more difficult than a dramatic chef, and she discovers the resilience and determination within herself to pursue what truly matters. Virgin River Book 16: Bring Me Home for Christmas (2011)