New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr is probably best known for her Virgin River series, the basis for the hit show on Netflix. The series is set in the Northern California town of Virgin River, where the townsfolk are always willing to help a newcomer in need. But the Virgin River series is just the tip of Carr’s iceberg. She’s a prolific author whose books often deal with overcoming life’s hardships with the power of love, friendship, and community.
If you’re looking for an escape from the world, Robyn Carr’s books are the perfect place to go. Not only are their stories comforting, but they’re often set in picturesque towns that you’ll want to visit as soon as you finish the book. From the latest Virgin River novel to a lakeside paradise in Colorado, here are five uplifting Robyn Carr books set in beautiful towns.
A Family Affair
Anna McNichol has worked hard to build the life that she has. She’s done everything to make sure her children will enter the adult world with the opportunities she didn’t have and has strived to overcome the problems in her marriage. With her children all moved out and her career on the rise, she’s looking forward to a brighter future. Until her husband suddenly dies.
It seems like everything is falling apart. From her husband’s long-held secrets coming to light to her grieving children to her mother struggling with her own health, Anna is overwhelmed. But for all their troubles over the years, the McNichols step in to support her, reminding Anna that family is always there, no matter what.
Return to Virgin River
The latest installment in Carr’s beloved Virgin River series follows Kaylee Sloan, an author from Southern California grieving the death of her mother and dealing with a serious case of writer’s block. Thinking she may find some inspiration—and some peace and quiet—up north, she rents a cabin in the picturesque town of Virgin River. But when she arrives at the cabin to find it burned to the ground, she heads into town to figure out what to do next.
She’s shocked to find that the many patrons of Jack’s Bar are completely willing to step in to help her, a complete stranger. Kaylee spends more time in town and ends up rescuing a kitten and a dog and her puppies. Lucky for her, there’s a handsome dog trainer willing to help out. As Christmas approaches, Kaylee realizes her writing retreat may have led her to exactly what she’s always needed.
Related: 9 Romance Books Like Virgin River
Sunrise on Half Moon Bay
Born twenty years apart, sisters Adele and Justine have never been particularly close. Still, when Addie dropped out of college to care for their sick parents, Justine was happy to use her financial security as an established lawyer to help her. Now with their parents gone, Addie feels purposeless and Justine’s marriage is falling apart. For the first time, these two sisters will have to rely on each other as they work to build happier futures.
The Country Guesthouse
After her best friend dies, Hannah Russell’s life changes forever when she becomes the guardian of her five-year-old son Noah. Wanting to bond with him, she rents a country house in the lakeside town of Sullivan’s Crossing, Colorado. The house’s owner, Owen Abrams, says he won’t be around to interrupt much, but that all changes when Noah forms an immediate connection to his dog, Romeo. Owen is coping with grief of his own, but he can’t help but be charmed by his guests.
As Hannah and Owen spend more time together, they form a connection. And with Noah and Romeo thrown into the mix, it seems like this unlikely group is becoming a family. But life always has new surprises in store, and they will need to lean on each other and their helpful neighbors in Sullivan’s Crossing to get through it.
The View from Alameda Island
On her 24th wedding anniversary, Lauren Delaney decides she’s had enough. Although it seems like she leads the perfect life—two daughters studying at good colleges and a happy marriage to a successful surgeon—all is not what it seems. Tired of her husband’s controlling nature, she files for divorce and moves to picturesque Alameda Island.
As she builds her new life, she forms a connection with Beau, a fellow recent divorcee. But just as Lauren thinks she’s on the brink of something great, her husband reappears, willing to go to shocking lengths to put Lauren back in her place. Now, she’ll have to rely on her own strength to fight for the life she deserves.
