FORBIDDEN FALLS

Author: Robin Carr ISBN: 9780778327493 1/2010 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: MIRA

Reverend Noah Kincaid moved to Virgin River to reopen an abandoned church he bought on Ebay. Like Noah, the place is a little empty inside and needs some loving care. 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. The pastor and the stripper: 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.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Readers get the chance to head back to Virgin River in the new installment in this delightful series, FORBIDDEN FALLS. This is another example of why Robyn Carr’s fans adore her. FORBIDDEN FALLS captures the heart and pulls readers right into life in the quaint mountain setting.

A story about acceptance and moving forward, FORBIDDEN FALLS begins with, of all things, an Ebay purchase! It’s true; a man of the cloth, ready for a new challenge and completely in need of something to fill up his days so his mind can’t work so hard, goes  to Virgin River with the hope of reopening a neglected church. He imagines he will create a soothing, healing place but the mission that awaits his arrival, and his ministry, is anything but low-key!

Noah learns more about himself, those around him, and ultimately, God’s plan than he imagines he will. It is wonderful to see Noah, Ellie and the rest of the folks in this heartwarming town evolve as their circumstances change. While the setting, with all its lush beauty, plays an important role in anchoring this series, this is actually a character-driven tale whose characters are so realistic, and the joys and sorrows they face so heartfelt, the reader can’t help but feel fully engaged.

There is nothing I didn’t enjoy about this book. FORBIDDEN FALLS is fantastic, and I eagerly await the next book from this talented author!

Kay James