'Tis The Season

Virgin River #7.5 & 10.5

by Robyn Carr

Together for the first time in one volume, two classic holiday stories—plus a bonus novella!—from #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

'Tis the season for family, friendship and the thrill of a holiday romance…

Under the Christmas Tree

With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and a surprise left under the Christmas tree is about to bring two special people together!

Midnight Confessions

Holiday kisses don't end with Christmas—there's still the New Year's Eve party at Jack's Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

So join us in Virgin River this year, where Robyn Carr's trademark humor, warmth and sincerity will have you celebrating the festive season in your favorite mountain town.the festive season in your favorite mountain town.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 28, 2014

About the author

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/.

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 fun novellas in 1 book. Loved story 1. Story 2 was good too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone I know has a crush on Jack but that is not who we will be reading about in this new anthology, although he does make appearances. The first story is just a delightful read that tugs your heartstrings. Of course, the puppies help too!

I just fell for Nate and his heart. His perfect match is found with Annie who is a delightful balance of tough and tender. Carr just has a way of developing her characters with deep feelings and souls that shine which is reflected in Under the Christmas Tree

In Midnight Confessions Drew is a delightful spirit who knows right away the perfect woman when he meets Sunny. I love how fast he found his way. Tender hearts abound but when you know, you know.

Both of these novella length stories are written with Carr’s love for the town she created and the people who live there. A wonderful way to spend a cozy night wrapped up in the romance and everything Virgin River. A sweet addition to the series.

* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/holidays-in-...

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: Narrator - Therese Plummer
As always an excellent job. I’d listen to her read the phone book!


These were both cute, sweet and fun with just a touch of angst. I definitely liked Under the Christmas Tree more since it felt more rounded and well developed. But both are great listens for the holidays.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Tis the Season Stars

I love this series and I loved these 2 novellas. This isn't going to be long winded.

It’s that extra bit of connection to characters that we might not have known if not for these novellas. And we get our old favorites.

I love getting to see them in a holiday setting. ❤ I really needed a feel good romance and I am glad I got back to this series.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never want this series to end. I love everything about the small town of 600 people in Virgin River is where I want to live. All the people in this small town have huge hearts and everyone is always looking out for each other. This is my favorite series. I highly recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

TIS THE SEASON was the perfect way to spend the day back in Virgin River. I devour every book I read of Robyn Carr's and this one did not disappoint. As soon as I was finished I wanted to read more of all three of these couples. The secondary characters in all three stories were just perfect and very funny. Oh, to have friends and families like the ones you will meet in TIS THE SEASON. Reading these stories felt like I was visiting with my old friends.

Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of the Virgin Rivers series for years so reading these two novellas was like coming home! I love this fictional charming town with its group of tight-knit, caring characters! I’ve watched the TV series as well and while I think they did a great job with the casting and setting, the plot lines don’t compare to the beautiful and passionate stories Ms. Carr has written! Not that I’ll stop watching, lol.

Loved both novellas and I enjoyed that they’re connected. The first, Under the Christmas Tree, centers on Annie McCarty a longtime resident who stumbles an abandoned litter of puppies that need care. Nate Jensen, the local vet, steps up to help, along with the rest of the town. Their romance was a delight, full attraction and yearning. Annie’s a bit gun-shy after being burned by her last relationship, but Nate isn’t deterred.

The second, Midnight Confessions, centers on Nate Jensen’s twenty-five-year-old niece, Sunny. She’s sworn off men after being left at the altar a year ago. She’s angry, and rightly so, but on New Year’s at Jack’s bar she meets Drew Foley who helps her to see that getting dumped may not have been a bad thing. After all, Sunny wouldn’t be spending an evening getting to know the sweet, handsome man otherwise.

In addition to the two novellas, Holidays in Virgin River includes a note from Robyn Carr describing how the story of Virgin River came to her and several delicious sounding recipes inspired by the series (listed below in the book description). Comfort-food type of recipes I plan on trying!

A copy was kindly provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Robyn Carr read. Some people love her and others find her too sweet and sugary; I wanted to see for myself. She writes small town romances, which I enjoy. I thought an anthology might be a good way to jump into this series. I enjoyed the stories, though none were spectacular. I am interested enough to read more in the series and maybe I'll even start with book one. :D

Under the Christmas Tree - This was cute and sweet and grabbed right away with its hook of abandoned puppies, or boppies as one child calls them. There are adorable boppies! :D Nate and Annie were wonderful together and despite the Norman Rockwell feel to their families, felt real, like the next door neighbors. Annie was a little too perfect at times and the development of their relationship was too fast. Maybe a longer story would have helped with that. Their relationship felt rushed and the timing is a little implausible. But I enjoyed the story. 3 stars

Midnight Confessions - This was a sequel of sorts to "Under the Christmas Tree" though the leads aren't Nate and Annie but Nate's niece Sunny and Drew, an out-of-towner with local ties. The story occurs just on New Year's Eve, a week after Nate and Annie's story ends. Both Sunny and Drew are recovering from broken engagements. It's an emotional story with lots of nuance. There's a lot packed into this novella despite the short time frame. It's sweet and hopeful with a HFN ending. 3.5 stars

Backward Glance - This one was not a Virgin River story nor was it a holiday story. I'm not sure why it was included. If you like second chance romances or opposites attract, you might like this one. It didn't work for me but that had more to do with the characters themselves. HEA. My main problem was that I didn't feel the heat between the leads, John and Leigh. They had a summer romance five years when she was separated from her husband. Leigh was a genius and a scientific prodigy while John never even went to college and is a manual laborer. He was somewhat insecure at the time and she was socially awkward and insecure. They had a series of misunderstandings and split up. She went back to her husband and got a divorce while John married and divorced in a matter of months. Back together after five years, they have still more misunderstandings plus Leigh's meddling mother and her cronies. The meddling was extreme at times and personally I found it annoying. I never warmed up to Leigh, I just couldn't relate to her or understand her. John was easier to warm up to. Both of them could be annoying with their insecurities and just as important, I never felt the heat or passion or love between them. I couldn't buy into their romance. 2 stars

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to Virgin River for the holidays would be a dreamy magical holiday and the next best thing is picking up this gift-worthy special edition with a holiday note from the author, two novellas, and yummy collection of recipes.

Coming from one who has managed to read a few in order and a few, specifically the holiday season stories, out of order, I can advise that these stories work well both standalone and within the series order.

First up, Under the Christmas Tree has a pair rediscovering each other as adults and brought together by a litter of abandoned newborn puppies left under the community Christmas tree. Annie McCarty grew up on her family’s farm loving and caring for animals even though these days she pays the bills by owning and operating a hair salon. She is enthused to save the puppies and see them adopted into good homes so she wrangles Jack and Preacher into keeping them at the bar until arrangements can be made. Meanwhile, the local vet is not the old Doc Jensen she remembers, but his attractive son, Nathaniel, who left for his education and training and is now back to take over the family practice. Annie has to work through a past hurt and Nathaniel is falling, but unsure.
It was a country holiday charmer fitting into the series well with visits from familiar Virgin River faces.

Then, Midnight Confessions, introduces Nathaniel’s embittered, defensive niece, Sunny, who got stood up at the altar the previous New Year’s Eve, but she’s let her uncle and his fiancé coax her out of the house for the New Year’s party at Jack’s bar. There she meets, Drew, a medical resident in the area borrowing his sister’s cabin for a break and discovers she’s not the only one to have a broken engagement. The new year brings healing and love and I was happy to ring in the year in Virgin River for another happily ever after.

Both novellas were quick reads that are developed well with holiday setting and plotting, characters who won me from the start, and situations that drew me in with just enough conflict of the character growth sort that worked well with the warm holiday vibes and shorter page count.
Incidentally, I see those recipes at the back as a fab gift to series fans who will enjoy seeing food and favorite characters brought together.

All in all, this was just the sort of romance I revel in for the holiday season and I can recommend this treat to other contemporary romance lovers.

I rec'd an eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 8th.

[Czarina at captainz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Under the Christmas Tree is just terrible. The author has some deep seated sexism that spills all over the pages and makes Nate a manipulative asshole who doesn't understand consent. Drew is slightly less bad, but the fact that he misses a golden opportunity to defend Sunny when she's belittling herself made me throw my hands up in frustration. At least no one is married by the end so I can hope they'll all break up before things get that far. Robyn Carr needs to reexamine what a healthy relationship looks like. I fear she isn't in one and doesn't know it.

[Mitch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sexist drivel.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize there were two holiday novellas in the Virgin River series until I finished the last book, so stumbling upon these final romance stories was a nice surprise! Non-angsty and just sweet, these novellas give you just enough to enjoy. The first novella is about Nate, the town vet, and Annie, a local farm woman who works in the neighboring town. These two bond over taking care of abandoned puppies during the Christmas season at Jack’s bar and discover an instant attraction. It was nice to see a couple just date in this series with no extra angst. Annie has been burned by relationships before and is hesitant to move fast with Nate. As always, readers are treated to close-knit family situations which are hilarious at times and sweet. Carr was able to give just enough background on these two to become invested in them. The second novella is about Drew Foley, Erin and Marcie’s brother, and Sunny, Nate’s niece. The two are visiting Virgin River for New Year’s. The short story is one long meet-cute, which is full of a little adventure. Drew is a laid back, optimistic guy who turns Sunny’s jadedness around. It was such a pleasant read. Usually, it’s difficult for readers to jump into this series cold turkey without reading other previous books in the series. That’s not the case here. They novellas can be read as standalones. Readers are treated to seeing couples from the first several books in the series. Cozy, fun reads which will make you wish Virgin River was a real place!

[Teresa Aiudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice seasonal read. Like the addition of the seasonal recipes of some of the holiday favorites referenced in the book. A light read for the holiday season

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still working my way through the Virgin River series, so when I saw that this volume was being published this year with two of the novellas I had yet to read, as well as an intro from Robyn Carr and recipes, I thought it would be a great Christmas read. Both of these stories are related to some degree and I enjoyed the characters and their romances. In Under the Christmas Tree, Annie McCarty stops in Virgin River to see the Christmas tree on the way to visit her parents. While talking to Jack, his son crawls under the tree and comes out with a puppy. Annie crawls under and finds a box containing 8 almost frozen puppies. Raised on a farm and loving animals, she takes control and gets Jack and Preacher to agree to let the puppies stay at the bar while she and others take care of them. Jack calls the vet, Nate Jensen to check them out and help with their care. Of course Nate and Annie are attracted to one another and have a relatively quick get to know each other time before realizing that they are in love. In Midnight Confessions, Nate's niece, Sunny is staying with him and Annie. She is down in the dumps as the New Year's Eve a year ago, her groom to be failed to show up at their wedding. Sunny just wants to hide and have a quiet New Year's. They head to Jack's bar for an impromptu party and she is nursing her drink when a handsome man walks into the bar. Drew Foley is a medical resident who just wants some time to study and relax so is in Virgin River staying at his sister's cabin. He also ventures to Jack's bar and from the moment he sets eyes on Sunny, he is smitten. Drew had recently been dumped by his live in girlfriend, so he was not looking for a relationship either. As they begin to talk, they laugh, smile and share things with one another. Another romance that begins at Jack's Bar.

Both of these stories are examples of why I love Robyn Carr's stories. They have great characters who have flaws and/or baggage, but still want to live and be happy. They have often given up on finding what they want, but there is someone out there for everyone. I enjoy seeing the characters that I have met along the way while reading the books in this series and catching up with them. I found the note to readers at the front of the book interesting as well as the recipes. A nice way to get me back into this series.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no better way to get you into the holiday spirit than 3 Christmas base novellas written by Robyn Carr. Even better, they are all being published in 1 book called 'Tis the Season.

Each story carries Carr's signature writing style bring heart and home to every page.

Reading this book made me want to bake cookies and pull out the Christmas Trees. Ok, maybe even get a new puppy.

Grab a cup of hot coco, curl up with your favorite Christmas throw and settle in for some marvelous holiday romances.

I received this ARC copy of Tis the Season from Harlequin - MIRA in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication October 28, 2014.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was too insta-love for me and I didn't like it much. Though it does involve the town of Virgin River a tiny bit, it really stands on its own and I really missed the characters from VR.

The second novella in this story was cute. But also too insta-love for me and unrealistic. But I was also glad to have read it so I could know about these characters and their backstory.

[VampDiva · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't continue with this way too predictable book (made it half way). Annie's low, low self esteem was too pathetic for me. Talk about a doormat, it didn't matter how much her father played her up to be. Nathaniel was an unrealistic hero. I'm too cynical for this "It's a Wonderful Life" book.

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Christmas Tree - 4 stars
Flirty and funny with the entire Virgin River community taking care of abandoned puppies in Jack’s bar.

Midnight Confessions- 3 stars
Lots of dialogues between the protagonists. Bit boring with all the flashbacks of past relationships.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

These holiday stories are wonderful. The town of Virgin River is really growing on me. Jack's Bar is at the center of the stories, and you get to know the characters as they make appearances in each of the books. Under the Christmas Tree was my favorite because I loved Annie's story and the puppies.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This collection of two short stories in the Virgin River series can be read with some vague insight into the world because the MCs for both the stories are outside of the series MCs. The first story was 4 star worthy (puppies were involved) but the second story was more 3 star territory. A nice diversion for a day.

[Joann M · Rating 3 out of 5]

over all I give both 3.75
Finished both novellas Nate is finding love in the first book while in the second he has a niece Sunny who comes to visit and is finding love again after a nasty breakup cant wait to see where it goes

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13118561

[Phoebe Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved both stories

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under The Christmas Tree was an easy 4 star read but Midnight Confessions was more of a 2 star.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two related novellas set in Virgin River with the characters we know in supporting roles.

[Rachael Cavinder · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
My least favorite Virgin River book so far. This one was 3 short holiday stories. None of them felt authentic, but rather forced.

[Kayleigh-Ann Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore this book at Christmas 🎄

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfecta navidad en Virgin River de la mano de Robyn Carr.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




🎄Holidays in Virgin River de Robyn Carr✨

Argumento:

🎀Celebre las fiestas con esta edición especial que contiene 2 historias favoritas de los fanáticos de la serie Virgin River. Incluye recetas exclusivas inspiradas en los personajes de Virgin River.

Under the Christmas Tree: con la nieve cayendo sobre los bosques de secuoyas, el aislado río Virgin es el lugar ideal para pasar las fiestas. Cada año, la comunidad unida se reúne en la plaza del pueblo para decorar y encender un enorme árbol. Se cantan villancicos, se comparte chocolate caliente y este año, una sorpresa está a punto de unir a dos personas especiales. Cuando la gente del pueblo descubre una caja de adorables cachorros debajo del árbol de Navidad del pueblo, piden ayuda al veterinario local Nathaniel Jensen. ¡Pero es su incipiente romance con Annie McCarty lo que realmente hace que se muevan las lenguas y colas!

Midnight Confessions: En Virgin River, los besos navideños no terminan con la Navidad: aún queda la fiesta de Nochevieja en Jack's Bar para asistir. Tanto los lugareños como los recién llegados se encuentran ansiosos por esa cuenta regresiva especial... y ese beso de medianoche.

Mientras la gente del pueblo se reúne, dos juerguistas solitarios deciden que el mejor bálsamo para sus corazones rotos podría ser el uno para el otro.



Mi humilde opinión:

❄️Holidays in Virgin River es un libro con dos cálidas historias románticas navideñas en un pequeño pueblo llamado Virgin River.

Under the Christmas Tree y Midnight Confessions me encantaron! Fueron lecturas cortas pero cumplió con una trama sólida, interesante, con todos los sentimientos y personajes que conquistan de inmediato, además estaba esperando sentir el ambiente navideño de Virgin River y no me decepcionó. Totalmente amé la vibra navideña aquí!

Lo mejor de todo es el final con las deliciosas recetas navideñas! Ya puedo saborear mis favoritas, el latte de especias de calabaza real hecho en casa y las galletas con chispas de chocolate de Paige. Muero por probarlas!

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three very different novellas actually fit quite well together. The first two definitely put you in the mood for the holiday season while the third is a sweet, feel good story perfect for whenever. Throughout all three Carr’s well written, well thought out style shines through, allowing readers to escape from the everyday for just a little while.

Carr’s method of character development really shines through and you get to know these individuals as if they were your neighbours. I was very impressed with how well we get to know each of the main couples that we’re introduced to. Each can be read as a standalone novella, while the two Virgin River stories also fit into the series well.

Overall, this was a fantastic, light read perfect for any time of the year.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holidays in Virgin River include two holiday novellas, recipes, and a note from Robyn Carr. It's a cute book that would be a perfect gift for Virgin River fans this holiday season. The first novella, Under the Christmas Tree, is all about veterinarian, Nate Jensen, and Annie McCarty. They find a box full of adorable puppies under a Christmas tree and the two work together to make sure that the puppies find a nice home after a brief stint at Jack's Bar. While they work together, sparks fly between the two. The second novella, Midnight Confessions, focuses on a romance between Sunny and Drew, two visitors to Virgin River. This novella focuses more on New Year's Eve and the celebration at Jack's Bar as well as two lonely people finding their match.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining romantic listening🎶

This kindle e-book novella is from my local library book 22 in the series.

There are two different romantic short stories in this novella about characters facing challenges in their lives. Each story is different with interesting will developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion.

I would love this series and author to readers of romantic relationship adventure novels. 2023 👒😘🐕🏔