Helpful Score: 5
This book was so emotional. How do you come to terms with getting a second chance at a girl that you always regretted not approaching, when the only reason you get your second chance is because your best friend died while at war? This book sucks you in and you ride the roller coaster with Paul and Vanessa through Matts death, the birth of their child with Paul by her side and then the realization of their love.
I love this series. Each book has new main characters but I really love to see the continuation of stories from previous books. I can't get enough of Jack and Mel who ancor the town and the books, not to mention the cameos from the Grace Valley crew. I love how each of her books have the main romance but she gives lots of supporting characters and relationships significant time. It's like watching a movie with multiple stories going on. I hope she never stops writing the virgin river books!
I love this series. Each book has new main characters but I really love to see the continuation of stories from previous books. I can't get enough of Jack and Mel who ancor the town and the books, not to mention the cameos from the Grace Valley crew. I love how each of her books have the main romance but she gives lots of supporting characters and relationships significant time. It's like watching a movie with multiple stories going on. I hope she never stops writing the virgin river books!
Helpful Score: 5
Another excellent book in the Virgin River series! I love how these books continue on with each person's story, their lives running together just like small town life. This is a fantastic series, a fantastic book, and I'd recommend it to anyone!
Helpful Score: 3
once again Robyn Carr out did herself. I read the book in one night. I love how she brings in new characters but keeps the old story lines going. I can not wait for the next two books in the series
Helpful Score: 2
This fourth book in the Virgin River series follows the same formulaic pattern as the previous books -- strong, silent, macho men with hearts of gold fall in love with luscious, emotionally-bruised women willing ultimately to love again. Having said that, it is still highly readable romantic escapist fiction and if this is your genre, you will enjoy this book as much as the previous books in the series.
Sherri H. (mamadoodle) -
Helpful Score: 2
I really wanted to love this book. Does that say it all? The two "main" characters of Vanni and Paul did nothing for me. I was much more interested in the back stories and of course Mel and Jack. Looking forward to the next in the series, but this one stank.
Rachel B. (rachelsbooks) -
Helpful Score: 2
Finally we get to read Paul and Vanessa's story!!! Can't say enough about it. The stories seem to get better and better. One of the things I like best about Robyn Carr's writing is that the main characters from books past don't just vanish from book to book. Once the characters get a whole book of their own they continue to be major players in all the books to come. I love being able to continue enjoying Mike and Brie, Preacher and Paige and Jack and Mel. They are just as present in the story telling as Paul and Vanni and every time I open one of these books I feel like I am going home.
Helpful Score: 1
Grade: C+
Second Chance Pass is the fifth book in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. Readers were introduced to Vanessa and Paul in the third book in the series. Paul was Vanessa's husband's best friend. He secretly has loved Vanessa through the years but has suffered in silence not wanting to ruin the friendships he has with both her and Matt. Things change with Vanessa's husband, Matt and Paul's best friend is killed in combat. Time has passed and Paul isn't sure if Vanessa is ready to move on and maybe accept him in a new role other than friendship. Little does Paul know that Vanessa is more than ready.
All right, I have to admit that this book irked me. As far as Paul and Vanessa's relationship went I thought things were just a mess. Initially, Paul and Vanessa had a pretty big obstacle to overcome if they were going have a lasting relationship based on love. But not only do they have the death of their husband/best friend hanging over them, Paul has an unexpected complication in his life back in Grants Pass. It really irked me that these characters had to deal with this situation, like they didn't have enough to deal with already.
The other major complication I had with the book was that there had to be at least five other storylines competing with Paul and Vanessa's. There were characters from past books getting significant page time. There were also new characters setting up future books getting significant page time. The actual relationship between Paul and Vanessa couldn't have been more than a few chapters and the above previous issue was basically washed away in the rain. Really, I think this has been my least favorite book in the series. Now having said all that, Robyn Carr's writing is still as fabulous as ever. Her characters are as wonderful as ever. It is probably a testament as to why I am so annoyed. I guess this book just seemed more transitional than anything and I felt that Vanessa and Paul didn't get the book they deserved.
Second Chance Pass is the fifth book in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. Readers were introduced to Vanessa and Paul in the third book in the series. Paul was Vanessa's husband's best friend. He secretly has loved Vanessa through the years but has suffered in silence not wanting to ruin the friendships he has with both her and Matt. Things change with Vanessa's husband, Matt and Paul's best friend is killed in combat. Time has passed and Paul isn't sure if Vanessa is ready to move on and maybe accept him in a new role other than friendship. Little does Paul know that Vanessa is more than ready.
All right, I have to admit that this book irked me. As far as Paul and Vanessa's relationship went I thought things were just a mess. Initially, Paul and Vanessa had a pretty big obstacle to overcome if they were going have a lasting relationship based on love. But not only do they have the death of their husband/best friend hanging over them, Paul has an unexpected complication in his life back in Grants Pass. It really irked me that these characters had to deal with this situation, like they didn't have enough to deal with already.
The other major complication I had with the book was that there had to be at least five other storylines competing with Paul and Vanessa's. There were characters from past books getting significant page time. There were also new characters setting up future books getting significant page time. The actual relationship between Paul and Vanessa couldn't have been more than a few chapters and the above previous issue was basically washed away in the rain. Really, I think this has been my least favorite book in the series. Now having said all that, Robyn Carr's writing is still as fabulous as ever. Her characters are as wonderful as ever. It is probably a testament as to why I am so annoyed. I guess this book just seemed more transitional than anything and I felt that Vanessa and Paul didn't get the book they deserved.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book. Vanessa and Paul's was a nice story, but it also stays in touch with all the previous characters, and begins intruducing the charactes for the new book coming out in March (Temptation Ridge).
Helpful Score: 1
This is the fifth book in Ms. Carrs Virgin River series and while she touches on themes that readers love (brave military men and the women who love them, people who live by a code of honor), I didnt warm to this one as much as I have the others.
Her series introduces new characters while keeping up with characters from previous books who inhabit Virgin River, a fictional town in the Humboldt County (California) redwoods. We are re-introduced to Jack Sheridan and his wife, Mel, the towns nurse-practitioner and their growing family; John and Paige Middletown; Preacher, the cook; General Walt Booth and his daughter, Vanni, the female lead of this book, and her childhood friend Paul Haggerty. Theres also Joe Benson, an architectural designer, and his budding romance with Vannis girlfriend Nikki Jorgensen.
Paul and Vanni start their relationship rather uniquely. Vannis beloved husband Matt has died in the line of duty after she gives birth to their child. Paul has loved her from afar for years but doesnt approach her. Vannis meddling mother in law tries to match her up with handsome, eligible pediatrician Cameron, but she rejects him. This is what annoyed me: the mother in law is a shrill harpy, but Cameron is a genuinely nice character who deserves better treatment (and probably will get it in future books in the series). I hate seeing nice guys finish last.
In this entry, the reader goes through the births of two babies (Mels and Paiges), the romance between childhood friends Paul and Vanni, which is sweet without being saccharine; and the romance between Joe and Nikki, which gets very steamy. Her characters are the reason to read the series, as theyre all relatable and real. The reader wishes Virgin River were a real place to visit.
Her series introduces new characters while keeping up with characters from previous books who inhabit Virgin River, a fictional town in the Humboldt County (California) redwoods. We are re-introduced to Jack Sheridan and his wife, Mel, the towns nurse-practitioner and their growing family; John and Paige Middletown; Preacher, the cook; General Walt Booth and his daughter, Vanni, the female lead of this book, and her childhood friend Paul Haggerty. Theres also Joe Benson, an architectural designer, and his budding romance with Vannis girlfriend Nikki Jorgensen.
Paul and Vanni start their relationship rather uniquely. Vannis beloved husband Matt has died in the line of duty after she gives birth to their child. Paul has loved her from afar for years but doesnt approach her. Vannis meddling mother in law tries to match her up with handsome, eligible pediatrician Cameron, but she rejects him. This is what annoyed me: the mother in law is a shrill harpy, but Cameron is a genuinely nice character who deserves better treatment (and probably will get it in future books in the series). I hate seeing nice guys finish last.
In this entry, the reader goes through the births of two babies (Mels and Paiges), the romance between childhood friends Paul and Vanni, which is sweet without being saccharine; and the romance between Joe and Nikki, which gets very steamy. Her characters are the reason to read the series, as theyre all relatable and real. The reader wishes Virgin River were a real place to visit.
Helpful Score: 1
Robyn Carr has done it again! This is a book that was very suspenseful. It has it's wonderful, romantic story-line like the other books in the series but towards the end it takes a very suspenseful turn that has you "chewing your fingernails". Loved this book, can't wait for the next one!
This book is good in a lot of ways. This is partly Vanni & Paul's story. Vanni kind of aggravated me in the beginning because she jumped to several conclusions about Paul without listening to what he was trying to tell her.
But this story also includes Preacher & Paige, Mike & Brie, Jack & Mae, Walt & a new connection, Joe, Shelby (Walt's niece), Rick, Tom & Brenda so you get an update on the previous characters in this series and I loved that.
But this story also includes Preacher & Paige, Mike & Brie, Jack & Mae, Walt & a new connection, Joe, Shelby (Walt's niece), Rick, Tom & Brenda so you get an update on the previous characters in this series and I loved that.
Really enjoying the Virgin River series. Characters are interesting and believable; I love the continuity thru all the books. Have already ordered book 6!
Very Good!
Another great installment in the Virgin River Series - can't wait to read the next one - if you like the Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series - give this one a try!
This book covered a lot of ground. Although a big part of the book was about Paul and Vanessa, we also introduced Muriel / General and Joe / Nikki. Add in some forest fire, births, and touching base with all the other residents and you have "Second Chance Pass."
Paul and Vanessa actually got on my nerves in the beginning. Paul took forever to talk and Vanessa was forever interrupting. It drove me crazy. But after Paul "manned up" it was much better.
Overall a pretty good book. Quick easy read. Definitely read some of the other books first so you won't get lost about who is who.
Paul and Vanessa actually got on my nerves in the beginning. Paul took forever to talk and Vanessa was forever interrupting. It drove me crazy. But after Paul "manned up" it was much better.
Overall a pretty good book. Quick easy read. Definitely read some of the other books first so you won't get lost about who is who.
These are becoming consistently 3.5 reads
A very enjoyable escape. Nothing heart-stopping to keep one reading into the night, but a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon.
This installment seemed a little more disjointed than the previous ones. While all carry multiple story lines, "Second Chance Pass" incorporated so many that none were allowed to be the focus. Vanni and Paul's story was wonderful but consisted of only a third of the book. Maybe there just wasn't more to say about them but they were such loved characters that it seemed a slight to forget them so soon into the book for other events. Because those events dwelt on other loved characters in whom the reader is also invested,however, the disappointment wasn't enough to round the star count down.
A very enjoyable escape. Nothing heart-stopping to keep one reading into the night, but a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon.
This installment seemed a little more disjointed than the previous ones. While all carry multiple story lines, "Second Chance Pass" incorporated so many that none were allowed to be the focus. Vanni and Paul's story was wonderful but consisted of only a third of the book. Maybe there just wasn't more to say about them but they were such loved characters that it seemed a slight to forget them so soon into the book for other events. Because those events dwelt on other loved characters in whom the reader is also invested,however, the disappointment wasn't enough to round the star count down.
Architect Paul Haggerty had secretly loved his best friend's wife for years, but would never do anything to interfere in their marriage. Suddenly Matt was dead, and Vanessa was a single mom and available. Now Paul is ready to make his move, but a woman from his past claims to be having his baby.
Another interesting addition to the Virgin River series. I really liked Paul and felt bad for his situation. Vanni took a while to grow on me. Their story takes up the first half of the book. The second half is the birth of two babies, a romance between newcomers Joe & Nikki, and a deadly forest fire. Lots of things going on in Virgin River. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Another interesting addition to the Virgin River series. I really liked Paul and felt bad for his situation. Vanni took a while to grow on me. Their story takes up the first half of the book. The second half is the birth of two babies, a romance between newcomers Joe & Nikki, and a deadly forest fire. Lots of things going on in Virgin River. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Amazing! Carr has several threads in this book, but it has a good pacing and flows. As with all of her Virgin River books, I find the book hard to put down! I connect with the characters like they're real.
Great continuation of the series -- I was just hoping there would be a cameo from Ian and Marcie.
My other dissatisfaction is Robyn's representation of Grants Pass -- a place I have spent plenty of time in every summer when I was little. For example, she made it sound like fires NEVER threaten the town. Uhm, my father has fought two fires there that I know of during his camping trips.
It was exciting to experience Joe's subplot, and Paige's birth. Mel's story seemed slightly out of place, I'm not sure why it was included.
My other dissatisfaction is Robyn's representation of Grants Pass -- a place I have spent plenty of time in every summer when I was little. For example, she made it sound like fires NEVER threaten the town. Uhm, my father has fought two fires there that I know of during his camping trips.
It was exciting to experience Joe's subplot, and Paige's birth. Mel's story seemed slightly out of place, I'm not sure why it was included.
Mary Ann S. (masay2art) -
I love the whole Virgin River series including this one. Carr brings her characters to life. I enjoy getting to know the various people and their loves, lives and character.
Another wonderful book in the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. This is the 5th book in the series. It tells the touching story of Vanessa Rutledge and Paul Haggerty and how two wonderful characters come together.
This book had such high reviews, I couldn't wait to read it. Well, I couldn't get interested in the main characters (Vanni and Paul) at all. Paul comes across as a real loser. And to be honest, their storyline was very very short. The rest of the book was filled out with side stories of characters that had been introduced earilier in the series. The story of Vanni and Paul (the main characters) could have been told in 50 pages, tops. I like Robyn Carr and have read quite a few of her books, but this one should have been a compilation of short stories, not a novel.
Lynn N. (reedycreekgirl) - , reviewed Second Chance Pass (Virgin River, Bk 5) on + 80 more book reviews
Love all of this series. Highly recommend!
Another great story in the Virgin River Series! Love this place, the close connections between people - wish I lived here!!!
great series
Strong depth of characters
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS: Although I liked the book, by the time I got to the 1/2 way point, the story was not so much about Paul and Vanessa, their story was pretty much over, but a couple of other couples. I just felt they need their own stories.
Vanni and Paul - a mutual friend brought them together and took them apart; sadness and death brought them together again. Very sad at times, but also very uplifting. Robyn Carr sure knows how to write great books.
I absolutely loved this tale of love, loss, and friendship. I was in tears several times reading this book. It left me anticipating the next book in the Virgin River series. It's no wonder that readers often ask the author, Robyn Carr, if Virgin River is a real place. We'd all live there if it was.
