I think perhaps it had been so long between my reading of Virgin River and picking up the second book of the series, Shelter Mountain, that I had forgotten how Robyn Carr's storytelling in some ways resembles women's fiction a bit more than romance. She isn't sure if he could feel the same way or if he has just been a good friend through everything, and even though her now ex-husband is temporarily behind bars, there is the constant threat that he may return to finish what he started once he is released.

By the time her life has settled down, Paige has fallen for Preacher and wants nothing more than to stay in Virgin River permanently. Preacher's gentle ways make it easy for Paige to open up to him, and she is overwhelmed by his generosity when he commits to stand by her side every step of the way as she fights for justice for herself and her son.

As Preacher and the other residents of Virgin River rally around Paige in her time of need, one day turns to two, and two to a week, until they hardly know where the time has gone. Preacher isn't really used to being around women and children, but is overcome with a protective instinct for these two lost souls right from the start. She reluctantly agrees, but adamantly insists that she will only be staying the night. He gets her something to eat, and offers her his old room above the bar for as long as she needs it. It doesn't take long for Preacher to realize that Paige is in trouble. She says her child is sick, and she is looking for a place to spend the night. It's a cold, rainy night, and John 'Preacher' Middleton is just about to lock up Jack's Bar & Grill early when a woman walks through the door with a small boy in her arms. She gets off the highway, hoping to find a motel, but becomes lost on the mountain roads, ending up in the tiny town of Virgin River. Having gotten information on an underground network where battered women can disappear and create a new identity for themselves, Paige is running for her life when Christopher takes ill with a fever. He also never wanted a child, so their son, Christopher, is little more than an inconvenience to him. This last time he threatened her life and nearly killed her. Evernight Teen Summer Kick-off Blog HopĪfter being beaten repeatedly by her violent, drug-addicted husband throughout their entire relationship, Paige Lassiter finally decides to get out.Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin Launch.

Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr