Virgin River Book Series: How to Read All the Virgin River Books in Order

Calling all fans of the Virgin River book series! Whether you’ve fallen in love with the TV show or the books themselves, this book list will lay out all of the Virgin River books in order so you don’t miss a single thing.

Robyn Carr’s Virgin River book series is over twenty books long with her latest release as of 2022. Discover all there is to know about Virgin River in this ultimate guide with frequently asked questions below!

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Virgin River Book Series in Order:

• Virgin River
• Shelter Mountain
• Whispering Rock
• A Virgin River Christmas
• Second Chance Pass
• Temptation Ridge
• Paradise Valley
• Under the Christmas Tree
• Forbidden Falls
• Angel’s Peak
• Moonlight Road
• Midnight Confessions
• Promise Canyon
• Wild Man Creek
• Harvest Moon
• Bring Me Home for Christmas
• Hidden Summit
• Redwood Bend
• Sunrise Point
• My Kind of Christmas
• Return to Virgin River

Virgin River Book Series Anthologies:

• That Holiday Feeling (with Debbie Macomber and Sherryl Woods)
• ‘Tis the Season
• Home for You (with Brenda Novak)
• All I Want for Christmas
• Holidays in Virgin River

Virgin River Books in Order with Publisher Summaries:

Virgin River
by Robyn Carr

Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against a backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad, she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place to escape her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves.

But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving—the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her.

Realizing she’s made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.

But a tiny baby abandoned on a front porch changes her plans, and former marine Jack Sheridan cements them into place.

Shelter Mountain
by Robyn Carr

John “Preacher” Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night.

A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises.

He wants to protect them, and to punish whoever did this, but he knows immediately that this is more than just instinct.

Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.

Then Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River. And if there’s one thing the marines’ motto of Semper Fi—always faithful—has taught Preacher, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

Whispering Rock
by Robyn Carr

Virgin River became a safe haven for Sacramento prosecutor Brie Sheridan after she nearly lost her life at the hands of a crazed criminal.

Though tough and courageous, she has some fears she can’t escape, but now she has someone who wants to show her just what it means to trust again.

A decorated marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty.

When he agrees to become Virgin River’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down.

Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

A Virgin River Christmas
by Robyn Carr

Last Christmas Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband, Bobby. This Christmas she’s come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.

Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby’s shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago, then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived stateside.

Since then, Marcie’s letters to Ian have gone unanswered.

Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off.

As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.

Ian doesn’t know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what’s worse, the uncertain future.

But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

Second Chance Pass
by Robyn Carr

In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son -breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love.

But the one man she longs to share this love with now acts as if she doesn’t exist. 

Paul Haggerty lives by the marine motto: Semper Fi. Ever faithful to his best friend, he’s done right by Matt’s widow as best he can, considering he’s been secretly in love with her for years.

Now, just as he’s about to make his move, another woman has staked her claim on him—a claim that will be tough to escape. 

With courage, humility and not a little meddling from the good folks of Virgin River, Vanni and Paul might just get a second chance to have the love they both desire and deserve.

Temptation Ridge
by Robyn Carr

Shelby McIntyre has big plans – plans that include finding Mr. Right. Her dream man will have a clean-shaven jaw, creases in his pants and hopefully an advanced degree. What she gets is rugged Luke Riordan. 

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother’s caregiver, it’s time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance.

But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind. 

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he’s tough and jaded.

His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance. 

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things…two very good things.

Paradise Valley
by Robyn Carr

Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq with his tour ending abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image.

But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart? 

As the people of Virgin River rally around Rick, another recent arrival tests the tightly knit mountain town’s famous welcoming spirit.

Dan Brady has a questionable past, and he’s looking for a place to start over. He’d like it to be Virgin River if he can find a way in.

But he never expects to find it in the arms of a woman who was as much an outcast as himself. 

For a favorite son returned from war and an outsider looking for a home, Virgin River offers them a chance to make peace with the men they once were, and to find the dreams they thought they’d lost.

Under the Christmas Tree
by Robyn Carr

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 this year, a surprise is about to bring two special people together.

When the townfolks discover box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree, they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help.

But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues—and tails—wagging!

Forbidden Falls
by Robyn Carr

The young widower arrives ready to roll up his sleeves and build a place of worship and welcome, but he needs some help. And the Lord works in mysterious ways.

With her tight shirts and short skirts, pastor’s assistant is not a phrase that springs to mind when Noah meets brassy, beautiful Ellie Baldwin.

The former exotic dancer needs a respectable job so she can regain custody of her children. And Noah can’t help but admire her spunk and motherly determination.

Noah and Ellie are an unlikely team to revitalize a church, much less build a future. The couple has so many differences, but in Virgin River anything is possible, and happiness is never out of the question.

Angel’s Peak
by Robyn Carr

Four years ago, air force sweethearts Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reached an impasse. She wanted marriage and a family. He didn’t.

But a chance meeting proves that the bitter breakup hasn’t cooled their sizzling chemistry. 

Sean has settled down in spite of himself—he’s not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history, but that’s not all they share. 

Franci’s secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy’s emerald-green eyes.

Sean is stunned and furious with Franci for the deception. 

News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle—and the kind of love that can move mountains.

Moonlight Road
by Robyn Carr

With her beloved younger siblings settled and happy, Erin Foley has empty-nest syndrome. At age thirty-five. 

So she’s hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded—she’s not into roughing it) cabin near Virgin River.

Erin is planning on getting to know herself not the shaggy-haired mountain man she meets. 

In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the navy.

He’s intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race—her meditating and journaling are definitely keeping him at arm’s length. He’d love to get closer…if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don’t hold him back. 

But maybe it’s something in the water—unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River…helped along by some well-intentioned meddling, of course.

Midnight Confessions
by Robyn Carr

In Virgin River, holiday kisses don’t end with Christmas—there’s still the inaugural 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.

Drew Foley and Sunny Archer are each visiting Virgin River for the holidays. Sunny was dumped at the altar the previous New Year’s Eve and is in no mood to celebrate.

But her uncle and his fiancée drag her to Jack’s Bar. Drew, getting over his own heartbreak, sees Sunny across the crowded room and he’s instantly smitten.

As the townspeople gather, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

Promise Canyon
by Robyn Carr

After years spent on ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin River’s new veterinary assistant.

The secluded community’s wild beauty tugs at his Navajo roots, and he’s been welcomed with open arms by everyone in town—everyone except Lilly Yazhi. 

Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, traditional men within her own aboriginal community, and she’s not interested in coming back for more.

In her eyes, Clay’s earthy, sexy appeal is just an act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. Lilly can’t deny his gift for gentling horses, but she’s not about to let him control her.

There’s just one small problem—she can’t control her attraction to Clay. 

But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere.

Wild Man Creek
by Robyn Carr

Colin Riordan came to Virgin River to recuperate from a horrific helicopter crash, the scars of which he bears inside and out.

His family is wonderfully supportive, but it’s his art that truly soothes his troubled soul. 

Stung personally and professionally by an ill-advised affair, PR guru Jillian Matlock has rented an old Victorian with a promising garden in Virgin River.

She’s looking forward to cultivating something other than a corporate brand. 

Both are looking to simplify, not complicate, their lives, but when Jillian finds Colin at his easel in her yard, there’s an instant connection. And in Virgin River, sometimes love is the simplest choice of all.

Harvest Moon
by Robyn Carr

Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock’s sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she’s retreated to her sister Jillian’s house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate. 

Puttering in Jill’s garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco.

Kelly’s starting to feel a little too unmotivated until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter—a combination Kelly finds irresistible.

But less appealing is Lief’s rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She’s the reason they moved from LA, but Courtney’s finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River. 

Kelly’s never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can’t be any worse than a histrionic chef…right?

Bring Me Home for Christmas
by Robyn Carr

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler.

Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend.

But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Hidden Summit
by Robyn Carr

When Connor Danson becomes an unwitting witness to a crime, he is forced to leave Sacramento and keep a low profile until the trial is over.

He arrives in the tiny mountain town of Virgin River with a chip on his shoulder and an ache in his heart. 

Leslie Petruso didn’t want to leave her hometown, either. But she can’t stand another minute of listening to her ex-husband tell everyone that his new wife and impending fatherhood are the best things that ever happened to him.

Virgin River may not be home, but it’s a place where she can be anonymous. Neither Connor nor Leslie is remotely interested in starting a new relationship…until they meet one another.

Even they can’t deny they have a lot in common—broken hearts notwithstanding. And in Virgin River, no one can stay hidden away from life and love for very long.

Redwood Bend
by Robyn Carr

Katie Malone and her twin boys’ trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance.

To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare.

As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks.

And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

Sunrise Point
by Robyn Carr

Nora Crane will do what it takes to keep her family afloat. Things are better than they’ve been for a while; still she’s barely scraping by.

But she’s got two little girls to look after so she’s willing to work hard and help out with harvesttime at the Cavanaugh orchard.

Her new boss is Tom Cavanaugh. After his time in the Marines, he’s come home to take over the family farm.

Tom thinks he knows what he wants—he’s ready to settle down with a sweet, traditional woman. Nora doesn’t seem to be the marrying kind, but he can’t keep his eyes off her, despite his best efforts.

And Nora has no intention of getting involved with anyone. She’s got enough relationship baggage to last her a lifetime.

But in Virgin River, love finds its own way, and it starts to become clear that Nora and Tom won’t be able to stay just friends.

My Kind of Christmas
by Robyn Carr

While the Riordan brothers have a reputation for being rough-and-tumble, Patrick has always been the gentle, sweet-natured one.

But his easygoing manner is tested by his high-octane career as a navy pilot, and for the Riordan men, when the going gets tough the tough find the love of a good woman.

Angie LeCroix wants to spend Christmas in Virgin River relaxing, away from her well-intentioned but hovering mother.

Yet instead of freedom, she gets her uncle, Jack Sheridan. If he had his way, she’d never go out at all. And certainly not with Patrick Riordan.

But Angie has her own idea of the kind of Christmas she wants and the kind of man.

Patrick and Angie thought they wanted to be left alone this Christmas until they met each other. Now they want to be left alone together.

But the Sheridan and Riordan families have different plans for Patrick and Angie and for Christmas, Virgin River style!

Return to Virgin River
by Robyn Carr

Kaylee Sloan’s home in Southern California is full of wonderful memories of the woman who raised her. But the memories are prolonging her grief over her mother’s recent passing.

A successful author, Kaylee hoped she could pour herself into her work. Instead she has terrible writer’s block and a looming deadline.

Determined to escape distractions and avoid the holiday season, Kaylee borrows a cabin in Virgin River.

She knows the isolation will help her writing, and as she drives north through the mountains and the majestic redwoods, she immediately feels inspired.

Until she arrives at a building that has just gone up in flames. Devastated, she heads to Jack’s Bar to plan her next steps.

The local watering hole is the heart of the town, and once she crosses the threshold, she’s surprised to be embraced by people who are more than willing to help a friend—or a stranger—in need.

Kaylee’s world is expanding in ways she never dreamed possible. And when she rescues a kitten followed by a dog with a litter of puppies, she finds her heart opening up to the animals who need her. And then there’s the dog trainer who knows exactly how to help her.

As the holidays approach, Kaylee’s dread turns to wonder. Because there’s no better place to spend Christmas than Virgin River.

Holidays in Virgin River
by Robyn Carr

This is a special edition containing two stories from the Virgin River series and exclusive recipes inspired by the Virgin River characters and a special note from Robyn Carr.

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.

When the townsfolk discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree, they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help.

But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues—and tails—wagging!

Midnight Confessions

In Virgin River, 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.

As the townspeople gather, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who Wrote the Virgin River Books?

Robyn Carr is the author of the Virgin River books. She has not only written the Virgin River book series but has penned over sixty novels including those in the Sullivans Crossing series. Her work has garnered her the following awards to name a few:

• RITA® Award winner
• Eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author
• Recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016

What is the Virgin River Book Series?

Robyn Carr’s Virgin River book series began back in 2007 with the publication of Virgin River, and is still going strong with her latest book in the series published in 2020 and a new anthology that released in 2022.

The Virgin River book series became popular with romance book fans long before the TV series debuted on Netflix and its popularity is still going strong. In fact, Virgin River was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years.

How Many Books Are in the Virgin River Book Series?

The Virgin River books series currently has twenty-one books with five additional anthologies and it is recommended that you read the books in order.

All of the books in the series are contemporary romance books, each featuring its own, standalone story with new and different main characters. Many secondary characters in each book however are characters from previous books who are living in the California small town.

It all begins when a nurse practitioner, looking for a fresh start, moves from Los Angeles to a remote northern California town.

Fans of small-town romance will devour this series where life in the town is such a part of each character’s story arc. From Mel’s cabin, to Doc’s clinic to Jack’s bar, there is so much going on in this small town and with its small population of inhabitants!

Is There a Virgin River TV Series?

The Virgin River book series has been adapted into one of the most popular TV series on Netflix.

The first season debuted on Netflix in December 2019 and is currently in its fifth season which released in 2023.

Since each book in the Virgin River series focuses on a new story and set of main characters, the TV series does not follow the exact book series order.

Instead, the show has combined multiple books in past seasons and has introduced characters sooner than they’ve appeared on the page. However, the characters of Mel and Jack are and have remained the central focus of the TV series.

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