How to Read All the "Virgin River" Books in Order

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Season 5 of Virgin River may just be a few weeks away (it's premiering on September 7, in case you didn't know) but that seems like an especially long time to wait to get your small town charm fix once you learn there are 21 (!!) "Virgin River" books out there just waiting to be read. Bonus: they have stories that go well beyond the Mel and Jack we have come to know and love.

The book series, written by Robyn Carr, served as the basis for the TV show, but here's the thing: only the first book centers around the show's main characters, Mel and Jack, meaning there are plenty of stories that haven't made it into the on-screen adaptation. The show's creators pick and choose which characters and storylines make the cut, proving that even the tiniest of towns like Virgin River aren't just boring places where nothing happens—they've got too much going on even for a Netflix series.

Obviously you won't be able to get through all 21 of the books by the time the show starts back up (or hey, maybe you can, I don't know your reading speed) but these are great to keep you feeling all the warmth and charm of Virgin River even in between seasons, especially all the holiday books, of which there are several. So grab your lil' reading light or fire up your e-reader, 'cause we've got some more of Virgin River to explore!

"Virgin River"

Here it is: the book that started it all! When recently widowed Melinda sees a job posting for a midwife/nurse practitioner in the tiny town of Virgin River (free rent included!) she sees it as the perfect escape from her life. Although the cabin is, uh, rustic and small town living may not be all it's cracked up to be, she starts to find meaning there.

"Shelter Mountain"

The story goes well beyond Mel and Jack in this book. John "Preacher" Middleton is closing up Jack's Bar when he meets Paige and her young son, who are on the run from her abusive ex-husband. Preacher feels the need to protect them, and starts to experience emotions he thought he'd trapped deep down.

"Whispering Rock"

Sacramento prosecutor Brie Sheridan is yet another newcomer who's looking for some comfort and escape in Virgin River, after nearly losing her life thanks to a mad criminal. There she meets Mike, a former LAPD officer who makes it his mission help her find a new beginning.

"A Virgin River Christmas"

A warm cozy holiday hug from the Virgin River universe. Marcie Sullivan comes to the tiny town for Christmas, searching for the heroic man who gave her three more years with her husband. The man she finds seems broken, living a rugged and reclusive life, but she soon starts to help him face his painful past.

"Second Chance Pass"

Vanessa Rutledge returns to Virgin River with a broken heart. Amidst the town's tight-knit community, Vanessa navigates the challenges of rekindling relationships, making new connections, and finding her place.

"Temptation Ridge"

Like all of us, Shelby has a checklist for her dream man: a well-dressed, well-educated, clean-shaven dreamboat. Who she meets, however, is rugged (but still very handsome) army vet Luke, who's just a tad jaded in all areas of his life, including love.

"Paradise Valley"

When Rick returns from his tour with the Marines in Iraq, he's not the happy-go-lucky boy who left Virgin River. He soon crosses paths with Dan Brady, a newcomer with a storied past who's also looking for a place he can find peace.

"Under the Christmas Tree"

The town Christmas tree has a present under it that pretty much every kid wished for: a box of puppies! Virgin River's local vet gets called in to help, putting his budding relationship out on display for all to see and making it the talk of the holiday-obsessed town.

"Forbidden Falls"

After moving to Virgin River to re-open an abandoned church he bought on eBay, Reverend Noah Kincaid's life takes an even more unexpected turn when he assists a former exotic dancer. As they bond over shared experiences, their connection deepens into unexpected love, offering a heartwarming tale of second chances and healing in the charming town.

"Angel's Peak"

When Franci and Sean reunite three and a half years after their bitter breakup, it's clear their chemistry never faded. But there's just one problem: Franci never told Sean the real reason she walked away was because she was pregnant with his baby.

"Moonlight Road"

After getting all her younger siblings settled in their lives, 35-year-old Erin Foley is taking some time at a cabin to get to know herself... and maybe that rugged doctor she met in the woods.

"Midnight Confessions"

On New Year's Eve in Virgin River, Jack's Bar is the hot place to be. But for Sunny, who was dumped at the altar last New Year's, celebrating sounds like the last thing she wants to do. After getting dragged to the bar she meets Drew, who's getting over a heartbreak of his own.

"Promise Canyon"

Clay Tahoma comes to Virgin River as a new veterinary assistant, and he's happy to be in a place that reminds him of his Navajo roots. Lily, the only person who's really not all that welcoming to him, thinks his whole hot-earthy-man vibe is just an act. Even if she is super attracted to it.

"Wild Man Creek"

After surviving a terrifying helicopter crash, Colin makes his way to Virgin River for some time to heal (and paint!). He meets Jillian, a PR whiz who recently bought an old Victorian home to fix up. There's clearly a connection there, but they're both trying to push it off.

"Harvest Moon"

Jillian's sister, Kelly, makes her way to Virgin River after she gets so burned out at her sous-chef job in San Francisco that she collapses at work. Soon, her attention is captured by Lief, a handsome lumberjack-looking type who moved to Virgin River with his rebellious stepdaughter.

"Bring Me Home for Christmas"

The holidays in Virgin River are magical, and Becca could use some magic as she tries to get over Denny, the guy that broke her heart and went off to war three years ago. Unfortunately, Denny also lives in Virgin River and when an accident extends Becca's stay, they end up stranded together. Not exactly the best way to get over someone, huh?

"Hidden Summit"

Leslie comes to Virgin River trying to escape her ex-husband and his new wife who are sickeningly happy together. Soon she meets Conner, a fellow scorned lover who's in even worse shape than her. They both think they're done with love, but oh how wrong they can be.

"Redwood Bend"

Being on a road trip with your twin sons and getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere kinda sounds like a nightmare, but for Katie, when a couple attractive guys on motorcycles pull up to help her, it turns into more of a dream.

"Sunrise Point"

Nora needs to provide for her two young daughters, and if that means working the harvest at the local orchard, so be it! Her new boss, Tom, has just come home from the Marines to take over the family farm and wants to settle down. Nora doesn't exactly seem like the traditional, settling down type, but he can't help but be attracted to her.

"My Kind of Christmas"

Patrick's brothers may have a rough 'n tough reputation, but Patrick's much more easygoing and sweet—personality traits that are tested during his time as a navy pilot. Angie comes to Virgin River to spend the holidays with her uncle, Jack, (and escape her nosy mother) but it looks like Patrick may be her holiday date after all.

"Return to Virgin River"

When you're an author with writer's block, there's only one cure: rent a cabin in Virgin River to escape all distractions, of course. But when writer Kaylee heads into town, she's met with a community who does distract her, but in a good way. Their kindness and willingness to embrace her help her open her heart and feel inspired again.

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