What do you think?
Rate this book
Grace Valley Trilogy #3
Down by the River
June Hudson is the town's doctor, a caring, capable woman who now has a bit of explaining to do. People are beginning to notice the bloom in her cheeks—and the swell of her belly. Happily, DEA agent Jim Post is back in June's arms for good, newly retired from undercover work and ready for new beginnings here in Grace Valley.
Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June' aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's poker-playing pastor have too many aces up his sleeve?
But when dangers, from man and nature, rise up with a vengeance to threaten June and the town, this community pulls together and shows what it's made of. And Jim discovers the true meaning of happiness here in Grace Valley: there really is no place like home.
Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June' aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's poker-playing pastor have too many aces up his sleeve?
But when dangers, from man and nature, rise up with a vengeance to threaten June and the town, this community pulls together and shows what it's made of. And Jim discovers the true meaning of happiness here in Grace Valley: there really is no place like home.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 23, 2003
835 people are currently reading
2806 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
161 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
November 11, 2016
Sad to say goodbye, and I wished to know a little more about some of the secondary characters, but I loved this trilogy!
September 30, 2018
Dr. June Hudson's life just keeps getting more complicated. Since she found out about her pregnancy a few days ago, June's belly just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Her lover, Jim Post, is now back in town to stay, and people are talking. Is he going to make an honest woman of her?
This is the third book in the Grace Valley trilogy and lots is happening. The new town preacher is borrowing a lot of money from his friends. What is he doing with it? Aunt Myrna has a new beau she has been exchanging letters with. He's coming to Grace Valley for a visit. Just what will her family think of him?
This was a nice wrap to the series. There was still a lot of things going on with the people in this town. It kept me glued to the book. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the third book in the Grace Valley trilogy and lots is happening. The new town preacher is borrowing a lot of money from his friends. What is he doing with it? Aunt Myrna has a new beau she has been exchanging letters with. He's coming to Grace Valley for a visit. Just what will her family think of him?
This was a nice wrap to the series. There was still a lot of things going on with the people in this town. It kept me glued to the book. My rating: 4 Stars.
September 15, 2017
5 Down by the River Stars
Hot diggity this series was fanfreakingtatic!
I loved it, I loved the characters the setting I loved the feel of it. It was just an all-around great romance book.
Obviously being the last of a trilogy everything comes together so yay for that but none of it was predictable at all. I loved that! I wasn’t ever sure what was going to happen.
Sign I wish more romance authors would write like this.
You feel as though the characters could be your friends your neighbours, it is relatable.
Again the narrator you know I am going to sing her praises because she nails each voice, the emotion in it. Loved it!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Hot diggity this series was fanfreakingtatic!
I loved it, I loved the characters the setting I loved the feel of it. It was just an all-around great romance book.
Obviously being the last of a trilogy everything comes together so yay for that but none of it was predictable at all. I loved that! I wasn’t ever sure what was going to happen.
Sign I wish more romance authors would write like this.
You feel as though the characters could be your friends your neighbours, it is relatable.
Again the narrator you know I am going to sing her praises because she nails each voice, the emotion in it. Loved it!
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
August 29, 2018
¡3 ESTRELLAS!
Ha sido una trilogía diferente. No es lo que me esperaba de ella, pero ha conseguido divertirme y enamorarme a su manera. Al final he terminado encariñándome con cada uno de los vecinos de Grace Valley y me ha gustado el tono positivo que tiene la historia.
Después de leer los tres libros, me ha gustado ver el cambio que han sufrido algunos personajes. Son libros bastante flojos, algunas tramas quedan cojas ya que no se cierran de una manera realista, sino que peca mucho del final rosa y feliz que hace la historia algo irreal.
Igual sucede con los personajes, algunos te llaman más que otros. En especial me han gustado Tom por su honradez y madurez y la familia Mull por su historia de desarrollo y evolución. Tristemente, June no se ha conseguido llamar mi atención. La he notado muy infantil en determinadas ocasiones y con comportamientos demasiado exagerados.
La historia de amor está muy mal desarrollada. No vemos una evolución en los sentimientos de los protagonistas sino que la autora se limita a decir que están enamorados y ya está. No he conseguido enamorarme junto con los personajes y eso ha hecho que la lectura no termine de encantarme.
Lo mejor desde mi punto de vista son los personajes. No porque tengan una gran profundidad, sino porque son tan adorables que resulta imposible no encariñarte con ellos.
En definitiva, es una trilogía bastante normalucha. La he leído en un momento que quería novelas rápidas y fáciles de leer y ha conseguido entretenerme y dejarme con un buen sabor de boca gracias a los valores que promueve tales como la generosidad y la honradez.
RESUMEN DE LA TRILOGÍA CON SPOILERS:
Ha sido una trilogía diferente. No es lo que me esperaba de ella, pero ha conseguido divertirme y enamorarme a su manera. Al final he terminado encariñándome con cada uno de los vecinos de Grace Valley y me ha gustado el tono positivo que tiene la historia.
Después de leer los tres libros, me ha gustado ver el cambio que han sufrido algunos personajes. Son libros bastante flojos, algunas tramas quedan cojas ya que no se cierran de una manera realista, sino que peca mucho del final rosa y feliz que hace la historia algo irreal.
Igual sucede con los personajes, algunos te llaman más que otros. En especial me han gustado Tom por su honradez y madurez y la familia Mull por su historia de desarrollo y evolución. Tristemente, June no se ha conseguido llamar mi atención. La he notado muy infantil en determinadas ocasiones y con comportamientos demasiado exagerados.
La historia de amor está muy mal desarrollada. No vemos una evolución en los sentimientos de los protagonistas sino que la autora se limita a decir que están enamorados y ya está. No he conseguido enamorarme junto con los personajes y eso ha hecho que la lectura no termine de encantarme.
Lo mejor desde mi punto de vista son los personajes. No porque tengan una gran profundidad, sino porque son tan adorables que resulta imposible no encariñarte con ellos.
En definitiva, es una trilogía bastante normalucha. La he leído en un momento que quería novelas rápidas y fáciles de leer y ha conseguido entretenerme y dejarme con un buen sabor de boca gracias a los valores que promueve tales como la generosidad y la honradez.
RESUMEN DE LA TRILOGÍA CON SPOILERS:
May 16, 2010
Another solid story from Carr. This book is very similar to the other Grace Valley books, and if you liked them, then you'll most likely like this one.
Series Note:
Third and final book in the Grace Valley trilogy...which should really be read in order. This trilogy is loosely connected to the Virgin River series.
Summary:
For local town doctor June Hudson, things in her life are coming together with the return of her secret lover, now retired undercover agent Jim Post. After learning June was expecting his baby, Jim wrapped up his final case and moved to Grace Valley. But now that he's here, June's not quite sure how to handle things. Logic says they should get married, but really, they hardly know each other.
Elsewhere in Grace Valley, June's wacky Aunt Myrna has a surprising secret admirer, the Nancy and Chris struggle through marital problems, Harry the preacher battles his own demons, danger threatens June and some others, and tragedy strikes Grace Valley.
Review:
Like the other two books in this series, I can kinda come at this book from two levels. From a romance reader perspective, the book is a bit weak. Better than the previous two, since Jim is at least a full-time resident now, but still not up to par for a romance book. Jim moves to town and you think, finally! I'll get some good old fashioned romance. In actuality, Jim and June fall almost instantly into a married couple routine who blend in with everyone else. I never quite felt the romance of the story...though I did enjoy Jim and June together.
From the other prospective...that of a chicklit type of drama, it's a solid story. Carr excels at telling small-town stories. She surrounds you with the full feel of the town and you almost feel like you're one of them.
I enjoyed seeing how everyone in the town was doing. Aunt Myrna is a pip and I loved the twist her story took. Then there's Chris and Nancy Forrest. Throughout this series, Carr has you run the board on disliking then liking these characters. Well done storyline. Just all around an engaging story typical of Carr.
If I wanted to pick a little, it was that maybe the story was too typical, not unique enough. After having read the previous two books in the series, then this one right away, I found myself just slightly bored now and then. Like I was reading too much of the same thing because the 3 books of the trilogy are all centered around June and similar types of storylines. I thought things could have been mixed up a little more to make the book more unique.
And also, though there really isn't any left hanging, exactly, I was left wondering about some things. Like was Clarence Mull ever able to move back with his family? Was Frank Craven able to get control of his anger? They were from side stories in the series, so not too terribly important, but I was still left wondering how things worked out.
For you Carr fans, though, this is a good series to read. Especially to get a sense of what the Virgin River series grew out of. The romance is very light, though...even more so than some of the VR books, so don't come into the series wanting a lot of romance.
Series Note:
Third and final book in the Grace Valley trilogy...which should really be read in order. This trilogy is loosely connected to the Virgin River series.
Summary:
For local town doctor June Hudson, things in her life are coming together with the return of her secret lover, now retired undercover agent Jim Post. After learning June was expecting his baby, Jim wrapped up his final case and moved to Grace Valley. But now that he's here, June's not quite sure how to handle things. Logic says they should get married, but really, they hardly know each other.
Elsewhere in Grace Valley, June's wacky Aunt Myrna has a surprising secret admirer, the Nancy and Chris struggle through marital problems, Harry the preacher battles his own demons, danger threatens June and some others, and tragedy strikes Grace Valley.
Review:
Like the other two books in this series, I can kinda come at this book from two levels. From a romance reader perspective, the book is a bit weak. Better than the previous two, since Jim is at least a full-time resident now, but still not up to par for a romance book. Jim moves to town and you think, finally! I'll get some good old fashioned romance. In actuality, Jim and June fall almost instantly into a married couple routine who blend in with everyone else. I never quite felt the romance of the story...though I did enjoy Jim and June together.
From the other prospective...that of a chicklit type of drama, it's a solid story. Carr excels at telling small-town stories. She surrounds you with the full feel of the town and you almost feel like you're one of them.
I enjoyed seeing how everyone in the town was doing. Aunt Myrna is a pip and I loved the twist her story took. Then there's Chris and Nancy Forrest. Throughout this series, Carr has you run the board on disliking then liking these characters. Well done storyline. Just all around an engaging story typical of Carr.
If I wanted to pick a little, it was that maybe the story was too typical, not unique enough. After having read the previous two books in the series, then this one right away, I found myself just slightly bored now and then. Like I was reading too much of the same thing because the 3 books of the trilogy are all centered around June and similar types of storylines. I thought things could have been mixed up a little more to make the book more unique.
And also, though there really isn't any left hanging, exactly, I was left wondering about some things. Like was Clarence Mull ever able to move back with his family? Was Frank Craven able to get control of his anger? They were from side stories in the series, so not too terribly important, but I was still left wondering how things worked out.
For you Carr fans, though, this is a good series to read. Especially to get a sense of what the Virgin River series grew out of. The romance is very light, though...even more so than some of the VR books, so don't come into the series wanting a lot of romance.
May 6, 2020
Another series I hated to see end. Great characters, easy to lose yourself in stories and fun reads. ;)
March 4, 2011
I did not enjoy this book as much as I did Ms.Carr's Virgin River series. The characters are well drawn. and sympathetic. As usual she assembles quite a cast of characters and several interesting plot points but it feels like this was her apprenticeship and she was still polishing her skills. It was ok but not great. Enjoyable, but not as satisfying as her Virgin River stories..
October 27, 2020
Great series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2016
A beautiful conclusion to the Grace Valley trilogy, although I wish there had been more books and more in-depth resolutions for a few of the secondary characters.
At the end of book 2, “Just over the Mountain”, we learned that June is happily pregnant and that Jim has retired from his undercover DEA job to come and live with June in Grace Valley. Not surprisingly, June’s under pressure from her environment to set a wedding date, but she wants to take her time to get to know Jim better. Of course, June’s hesitations are unfounded and she regrets her doubts and hesitations, as the delivery date approaches. The townspeople grow to appreciate Jim very much as he adapts very quickly to the town and the people. He cooks and is handy at home, and supports June in her work.
Again in this last installment, we witness what a great community Grace Valley is, and when there’s a flood threatening the main street in town, everyone is there to prevent the worse.
I could go on and on about how lovely this series is, but I think I leave it up to you to read the Grace Valley books that are all about community – and not per se about romance.
Highly recommended.
At the end of book 2, “Just over the Mountain”, we learned that June is happily pregnant and that Jim has retired from his undercover DEA job to come and live with June in Grace Valley. Not surprisingly, June’s under pressure from her environment to set a wedding date, but she wants to take her time to get to know Jim better. Of course, June’s hesitations are unfounded and she regrets her doubts and hesitations, as the delivery date approaches. The townspeople grow to appreciate Jim very much as he adapts very quickly to the town and the people. He cooks and is handy at home, and supports June in her work.
Again in this last installment, we witness what a great community Grace Valley is, and when there’s a flood threatening the main street in town, everyone is there to prevent the worse.
I could go on and on about how lovely this series is, but I think I leave it up to you to read the Grace Valley books that are all about community – and not per se about romance.
Highly recommended.
August 25, 2021
2015 Review
I loved this trilogy and am sad that it has come to an end. As usual Ms Carr wrote a fantastic story which was extremely well narrated by Therese Plummer who manages to bring every character to life.
I loved this trilogy and am sad that it has come to an end. As usual Ms Carr wrote a fantastic story which was extremely well narrated by Therese Plummer who manages to bring every character to life.
August 25, 2021
And the story comes to it ends! There are goods and bads in ones life - and in the Valley things are no different. But people live together and feel together. They are close. Sometimes the boundaries are just a dream, but being a part of the town brings with it the joy, the togetherness, the friendship and love. The real beauty of life itself.
Our doctor comes to another episode of her life - a diffrent one, but a total lovly one.
We learn about everyone and we close the circle of our life in the Valley. We let them there happy - even though throughout of the action there are moments and events not so happy. We let them peaceful and with great hope.
Our doctor comes to another episode of her life - a diffrent one, but a total lovly one.
We learn about everyone and we close the circle of our life in the Valley. We let them there happy - even though throughout of the action there are moments and events not so happy. We let them peaceful and with great hope.
April 11, 2017
I have to give this series a very strong 4 star rating. Robyn Carr has excellent skills portraying a strong community full of love, concern and deep friendships. It is always a pleasure to visit her towns and characters.
May 2, 2019
Very sweet ending to a feel-good series. Really enjoyed how all the plots centered around family, love, friendship, forgiveness/second chances, and the importance of community.
July 17, 2024
The crisis at the end is a bit melodramatic, but none the less this is an enjoyable end to this trilogy.
June, Jim and others appear occasionally in the Virgin River books, but I wish she'd go back to this (much better) series instead.
June, Jim and others appear occasionally in the Virgin River books, but I wish she'd go back to this (much better) series instead.
June 16, 2020
This third book nicely concludes the trilogy, but it also, content-wise, the book that has barely captivated me, except a few scenes here and there.
I love the Grace Valley community, and I wish I could live there with these unique, quirky, picturesque people. Indeed, I'm overall very charmed by this series, with the exception that the author should have been more creative with this last book. Robyn Carr should have delved deeper and deeper in order to give this trilogy a wonderful ending. Don't take me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it could have been so much more thought-out and refined.
I am not unhappy with the ending (welcome baby Jamie), but I thought the book itself could have had more depth, more schwung, as this is the ending.
I love the Grace Valley community, and I wish I could live there with these unique, quirky, picturesque people. Indeed, I'm overall very charmed by this series, with the exception that the author should have been more creative with this last book. Robyn Carr should have delved deeper and deeper in order to give this trilogy a wonderful ending. Don't take me wrong, it wasn't bad, but it could have been so much more thought-out and refined.
I am not unhappy with the ending (welcome baby Jamie), but I thought the book itself could have had more depth, more schwung, as this is the ending.
February 2, 2022
This is the third book in a trilogy and I haven't read the earlier book so came into it already in full swing and without some of the background knowledge on characters. It reminded me in some ways of Carr's Virgin River series. It tells the story of a small town and the characters that inhabit it. I enjoyed it and could see how the series could have been extended. I think this was one of the author's earlier series and believe her writing skill have advanced since this was originally published hence my 3 star review. If you like her work you should still enjoy it.
May 3, 2023
This was a great ending to a trilogy. I loved being back in Grace Valley with all the characters especially June and Jim. Carr is extremely gifted in writing a story and adding all these other characters and their side stories. I enjoyed hearing about the characters in book 1 and 2. Lots of humor, great friendships and an entertaining story. I recommend this series!
November 26, 2020
Another great read by Robyn Carr. Loved her characters in this series. Sure wish there were more books in the series. She returned us to Virgin River. Couldn’t she return us to Grace Valley? June Hudson is such a genuine, loving person. Would love to have her as my doctor.
May 13, 2024
The story is poignant and family refreshing. It’s full of good humor and learning that life isn’t always what you expect.
This was a good series….too bad it’s only three books. I really enjoyed the storylines.
This was a good series….too bad it’s only three books. I really enjoyed the storylines.
January 18, 2021
Aside from some repetition of the story this was a sweet ending of Carr’s trilogy. As usual, I am sad to leave my friends.
November 15, 2022
Loved this short 3 book series..... so much light hearted fun!
March 6, 2025
Perfect ending!!!!
May 25, 2021
I loved it. Down by the river was a very Goodreads. I enjoyed hereing it on audio tape
Heartwarming mysterious and thrilling. I hope who ever this book will enjoy as much as I did by Robyn Carr
Heartwarming mysterious and thrilling. I hope who ever this book will enjoy as much as I did by Robyn Carr
August 18, 2020
Jim Post is retired and back with June in Grace Valley permanently. June is pregnant.
Myrna says she has a paramour who turns out to be her long "lost" husband who has been invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Surprise!
June keeps putting off the wedding, but she and Nancy, former enemies, now are best of friends.
Unfortunately, Grace Valley has a natural disaster and the entire town is flooded when the Windle River overflows. Daamages were extensive, but the community pulls together to restore everything damaged. Because of the love and caring of the community, both Nancy and Jim decide there is no place like home in Grace Valley, tho Nancy had some real concerns.
The pastor, Harry, has a serious gambling problem and left the town in shame. Recovering is a 12 step program, he ultimately decided to visit Grace Valley and very quickly say hello to George and leave. Who would welcome him back after what he had done? Did he ever get a surprise!
I have so enjoyed the Virgin River and Grace Valley series, and hate to see them end.
Myrna says she has a paramour who turns out to be her long "lost" husband who has been invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Surprise!
June keeps putting off the wedding, but she and Nancy, former enemies, now are best of friends.
Unfortunately, Grace Valley has a natural disaster and the entire town is flooded when the Windle River overflows. Daamages were extensive, but the community pulls together to restore everything damaged. Because of the love and caring of the community, both Nancy and Jim decide there is no place like home in Grace Valley, tho Nancy had some real concerns.
The pastor, Harry, has a serious gambling problem and left the town in shame. Recovering is a 12 step program, he ultimately decided to visit Grace Valley and very quickly say hello to George and leave. Who would welcome him back after what he had done? Did he ever get a surprise!
I have so enjoyed the Virgin River and Grace Valley series, and hate to see them end.
March 27, 2020
I loved this conclusion to the Grace Valley Trilogy. Everything has come full circle and June gets her happily ever after. It was a great way to spend the day… reading this while I had a serious migraine and really couldn’t stomach the idea of moving. There is just something inherently sweet and cute about Carr’s writing and, with this trilogy focusing on just the one woman and the town that she loves… that feeling of sweetness just increased.
From the blurb of this story, I was kind of expecting a whole lot more conflict throughout this story. Something a little more dangerous from Jim’s past maybe. That really didn’t happen, but I wasn’t disappointed. There were still challenges and dangers. Still things that needed to be overcome. But they were a little more innocent and it made this such an uplifting, heart-warming series conclusion to read. After turning the final page, I seriously considered jumping online to buy another few Robyn Carr books, but you know… money.
I love that the Mills (who are introduced in the first Grace Valley Trilogy book) make more than a bit of an appearance throughout this. There are so many secondary characters throughout this whole series which make an appearance, and it isn’t until the final book that you realise they’ve been popping in and out all the way through. In the best, most subtle way possible. It was really nice that there was closure to not only June’s story, but also the stories of the other characters that I quickly came to love over the two, three days that I just devoured this trilogy.
I absolutely adored this novel. I adored this trilogy. It had enough suspense and turmoil to keep me hooked, but not enough that it destroyed the happy-feeling that it all inspired. There is a great balance between action and sweet romance. Difficulties and solutions, heavily geared towards the happily ever after feelings. I’m so glad that I have these books on my shelves. And I look forward to reading them again and again and again.
From the blurb of this story, I was kind of expecting a whole lot more conflict throughout this story. Something a little more dangerous from Jim’s past maybe. That really didn’t happen, but I wasn’t disappointed. There were still challenges and dangers. Still things that needed to be overcome. But they were a little more innocent and it made this such an uplifting, heart-warming series conclusion to read. After turning the final page, I seriously considered jumping online to buy another few Robyn Carr books, but you know… money.
I love that the Mills (who are introduced in the first Grace Valley Trilogy book) make more than a bit of an appearance throughout this. There are so many secondary characters throughout this whole series which make an appearance, and it isn’t until the final book that you realise they’ve been popping in and out all the way through. In the best, most subtle way possible. It was really nice that there was closure to not only June’s story, but also the stories of the other characters that I quickly came to love over the two, three days that I just devoured this trilogy.
I absolutely adored this novel. I adored this trilogy. It had enough suspense and turmoil to keep me hooked, but not enough that it destroyed the happy-feeling that it all inspired. There is a great balance between action and sweet romance. Difficulties and solutions, heavily geared towards the happily ever after feelings. I’m so glad that I have these books on my shelves. And I look forward to reading them again and again and again.
September 5, 2015
I really have major issues with how Carr views things like marriage and relationships. Marriage can be incredibly important and small towns probably view it as essential, but basically saying "don't try explaining it to us, explain it to your kid" is ridiculous. How the hell cares if your parents are married? It sure doesn't help anyone else in the book. And how old does Carr think 40 really is? 40-year-old characters have fully grown children with kids of their own? How young did they start? And one of the side characters magically decides to quit a job she loved and stay in this tiny town because why reach a compromise when you can give up your life for your distant husband?
It was lighthearted but predictable and easily resolved. The bad guy dies, the good guy gets treated, men are easily forgiven for lying or leaving. These women do nothing and have no backbone. Not to mention, June and Jim's relationship isn't shown much in this story, and I really think it's more about everyone else than them. Which is one of my main problems with it: too many characters with plot lines of their own. In a couple hundred pages you can't write a compelling story with ten points of view. It just makes for hasty resolutions and readers not caring.
It was lighthearted but predictable and easily resolved. The bad guy dies, the good guy gets treated, men are easily forgiven for lying or leaving. These women do nothing and have no backbone. Not to mention, June and Jim's relationship isn't shown much in this story, and I really think it's more about everyone else than them. Which is one of my main problems with it: too many characters with plot lines of their own. In a couple hundred pages you can't write a compelling story with ten points of view. It just makes for hasty resolutions and readers not caring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this trilogy and now I want to reread Virgin River....but I have this pile of library books staring me down.
August 19, 2010
It was okay, but I was just glad it was finished. I wanted to know what happened, but, was not excited about getting through it.
June Hudson is the town's doctor, a caring, capable woman who now has a bit of explaining to do. People are beginning to notice the bloom in her cheeks -- and the swell of her belly. Happily, DEA agent Jim Post is back in June's arms for good, newly retired from undercover work and ready for new beginnings here in Grace Valley.
Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June's aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's pokerplaying pastor have too many aces up his sleeve? But when dangers, from man and nature, rise up with a vengeance to threaten June and the town, this community pulls together and shows what it's made of. And Jim discovers the true meaning of happiness here in Grace Valley: there really is no place like home. (less)
June Hudson is the town's doctor, a caring, capable woman who now has a bit of explaining to do. People are beginning to notice the bloom in her cheeks -- and the swell of her belly. Happily, DEA agent Jim Post is back in June's arms for good, newly retired from undercover work and ready for new beginnings here in Grace Valley.
Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June's aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's pokerplaying pastor have too many aces up his sleeve? But when dangers, from man and nature, rise up with a vengeance to threaten June and the town, this community pulls together and shows what it's made of. And Jim discovers the true meaning of happiness here in Grace Valley: there really is no place like home. (less)
March 31, 2012
Last in the Grace Valley series, this gentle, heartwarming title rather meanders more than many of Carr's other titles toward the predictable ending. It's the process, not the plot that attracts readers: recurring characters (and characters some of them are!), the lovely sense of place, and slice of idealized small town life. This wouldn't be a good place to start reading Carr's novels but it closes the chapter in Grace Valley nicely.
October 16, 2011
I enjoyed my return to the valley. I thought June took a bit long to decide what she was going to do. I loved the resolution of her Aunt's story. I wish the author had not added another male character with a name that started with a C. When one of the characters appeared separatel from his family, I had to keep checking whether it was the Vietnam Vet or the pot head.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews