---
Overview of the Virgin River Series
Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series is a collection of interconnected novels and novellas set in the fictional town of Virgin River, nestled in the mountains of California. The series began with a simple story of a woman seeking a fresh start and has since expanded into a sprawling saga that explores love, friendship, healing, and community.
The series is known for its heartfelt storytelling, realistic characters, and themes of hope and renewal. Many readers find themselves emotionally invested in the lives of Virgin River’s residents, eagerly following their journeys through love, loss, and personal growth.
---
Reading Order of Virgin River Books
Understanding the correct order to read the Virgin River books enhances the reading experience, especially since some novels are interconnected and refer back to previous characters and events.
Publication vs. Chronological Order
While the Virgin River series was published in a certain order, some readers prefer to read the books in chronological order based on the timeline within the stories. The series was originally released starting from the first novel in 2009, with subsequent titles following a roughly chronological sequence.
---
The Virgin River Series in Publication Order
Reading the series in order of publication is straightforward and often recommended for new readers to experience the author's storytelling as it was originally presented.
Publication Order of Virgin River Books:
1. Virgin River (2009)
2. Shelter Mountain (2010)
3. Whispering Rock (2010)
4. Devil Lost Mine (2011) – novella
5. A Virgin River Christmas (2011) – novella
6. The Wanderer (2011)
7. Sunset Point (2012)
8. The Newcomer (2012)
9. Second Chance Pass (2012)
10. Temptation Ridge (2013)
11. My Kind of Christmas (2013) – novella
12. Wild Man Creek (2013)
13. Harvest Moon (2014)
14. Shelter Mountain (re-release, 2014)
15. Sunrise Point (2014)
16. Stranger in Paradise (2014)
17. Angel’s Peak (2014)
18. The Hero (2014)
19. Rocky Mountain Courtship (2014)
20. Rescue Me (2014)
21. Second Chance Summer (2015)
22. Whispering Rock (re-release, 2015)
23. Wild Man Creek (re-release, 2015)
24. A Virgin River Christmas (re-release, 2015)
25. The Homecoming (2015)
26. Virgin River Christmas (2015)
27. My Kind of Christmas (2016)
28. The Summer Deal (2016)
29. The Chance (2016)
30. The Country Guesthouse (2016)
31. Sunrise on Half Moon Bay (2017)
32. The View from Alameda Island (2017)
33. A Virgin River Christmas (2017)
34. The Summer Deal (2018)
35. The Hero (2018)
36. Sunrise on Half Moon Bay (2018)
37. The Newcomer (2018)
38. Rocky Mountain Courtship (2019)
39. Rescue Me (2019)
40. Angel’s Peak (2019)
41. Second Chance Summer (2019)
42. Virgin River (2020) – Reprint editions with revisions
43. Wild Man Creek (2020) – Reprint editions with revisions
44. Sunset Point (2020) – Reprint editions with revisions
Note: Some titles are re-released versions or novellas that fit into the series timeline.
---
The Virgin River Series in Chronological Order
For readers who want to follow the timeline within the Virgin River universe, the chronological order offers a different experience, starting from the earliest events and characters.
Chronological Order of Virgin River Books:
1. Virgin River (2009) – Introduces Jack Sheridan and Mel Monroe.
2. Shelter Mountain (2010) – Explores the early days of Virgin River and characters like Preacher and Paige.
3. Whispering Rock (2010) – Follows the lives of the residents, including Muriel and others.
4. The Wanderer (2011) – Focuses on the wedding of Preacher and Paige, and other community stories.
5. Sunset Point (2012) – Centers around the development of the town and new characters.
6. The Newcomer (2012) – Follows the arrival of new residents and their stories.
7. Second Chance Pass (2012) – Continues with the characters’ journeys and new romances.
8. Temptation Ridge (2013) – Explores more romantic and personal relationships.
9. Wild Man Creek (2013) – Focuses on the Wild Man Creek area and its inhabitants.
10. Harvest Moon (2014) – Follows the community’s growth and personal struggles.
11. Sunrise Point (2014) – Continues character arcs and introduces new ones.
12. Stranger in Paradise (2014) – Features new characters and relationships.
13. Angel’s Peak (2014) – Focuses on community and personal healing.
14. Rocky Mountain Courtship (2014) – Features the courtship of new characters.
15. Rescue Me (2014) – Explores themes of rescue and second chances.
16. Second Chance Summer (2015) – A standalone story set during summer.
17. A Virgin River Christmas (2011/2017) – Seasonal stories that fit into the timeline.
18. The Homecoming (2015) – Focuses on a character returning home.
19. Virgin River Christmas (2015) – Additional holiday stories.
20. My Kind of Christmas (2013/2016) – Further holiday-themed stories.
21. The Summer Deal (2016) – Follows a summer romance.
22. The Chance (2016) – Continues character development and relationships.
23. The Country Guesthouse (2016) – Focus on community and personal growth.
24. Sunrise on Half Moon Bay (2017) – Features new characters and romantic developments.
25. The View from Alameda Island (2017) – A standalone but related story.
26. A Virgin River Christmas (2017) – Holiday stories set in the Virgin River universe.
27. The Hero (2018) – Continues the saga of Jack and Mel.
28. Virgin River (2020) – Updated editions with expanded content.
Note: Some titles are standalones or novellas that can be read independently, but for a seamless experience, following the above sequence is recommended.
---
Additional Books and Spin-offs
In addition to the main Virgin River series, Robyn Carr has authored spin-off series that expand on the universe and characters, including:
- Thunder Point Series: Set in a different coastal town but shares themes of community and romance.
- Grace Valley Series: Focuses on a small Colorado town with interconnected characters.
While these are separate from Virgin River, they often appeal to the same readership.
---
Tips for Readers New to Virgin River
- Start with the First Book: Virgin River (2009) introduces the main characters and setting.
- Consider Reading in Publication Order: To experience the series as Robyn Carr intended.
- Use a Series Checklist: Keep track of titles, especially with re-releases and novella collections.
- Enjoy the Holiday Stories Separately: Some holiday-themed books are best read during the appropriate season but can be enjoyed anytime.
---
Conclusion
The Virgin River books in order provide a rich, immersive experience into the lives of the town’s residents and their intertwined stories of love, resilience, and community. Whether you choose to read by publication order or chronological sequence, the series offers heartfelt storytelling that resonates with readers seeking hope and heartfelt romance.
With over 20 novels and additional novellas, starting with the original Virgin River and progressing through the series will ensure you don’t miss any of the character developments and story arcs that make this series so beloved. Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended reading order for the Virgin River book series?
The Virgin River series by Robyn Carr should be read in chronological order starting with 'Virgin River,' followed by 'Shelter Mountain,' 'Second Chance Pass,' 'Temptation Ridge,' 'Whispering Rock,' 'Angel's Peak,' 'Wild Man Creek,' and so on, to follow the storyline progression accurately.
Are there spin-off series related to the Virgin River books?
Yes, Robyn Carr has expanded the Virgin River universe with spin-off series such as the 'Thunder Point' series and the 'Grace Valley' series, which are set in the same universe but follow different characters and locations.
Can I read the Virgin River books as standalones, or do I need to read them in order?
While each Virgin River book focuses on different characters and can be enjoyed as standalone stories, reading them in order enhances understanding of recurring characters and the overall storyline.
Are the Virgin River books suitable for new readers of romantic fiction?
Absolutely! The Virgin River series features heartfelt romantic stories with strong character development, making it a great choice for both new and seasoned fans of the genre.
How many books are there in the Virgin River series as of 2023?
As of 2023, the Virgin River series comprises over 20 books, with new titles occasionally released to continue the beloved storylines.
Are the Virgin River books adapted into a TV series?
Yes, the Virgin River series has been adapted into a popular Netflix TV series, which captures the essence of the books and has introduced many new fans to the series.
Where can I find the complete list of Virgin River books in order to start reading?
You can find the complete list of Virgin River books on Robyn Carr's official website, major booksellers, or online reading platforms that organize the series by publication order and chronological sequence.
