A Marriage Made in Heaven

And by "marriage made in heaven", I'm not talking about anything that happens in the story, I'm talking about the audio marriage between Robyn Carr and Therese Plummer. Sometimes, they get it so right, and this is one of those times. I like Therese Plummer no matter what she reads, but I will always associate her with Robyn Carr's books, because when she reads them, it's as close to a perfect audio experience as it gets.

I approached this book as a dedicated Virgin River fan. I have listened to every single Virgin River book on Audible, and I get sucked right in to each and every one. While some were, admittedly, better than others, I can't think of a single one I didn't like. The town of Grace Valley is mentioned often in the VR books, as were some of the characters, and I was looking forward to visiting there myself.

That's what you do in a Robyn Carr book. You visit the places. You meet the people. You become invested in their lives. Her books are extremely character driven. In Deep in the Valley, you meet many of the Grace Valley residents, for better or worse, warts and all. They are a eclectic bunch of small town characters, and that is what Carr does best.

For those who've read the VR series, as I have, she keeps to her style of flashing back and forth between characters and sub plots. As usual, she sucks you right into the goings on and takes you along for the ride. This story's main character is Dr. June Hudson. As the book begins, she is welcoming Dr. Stone to town. He seems a good family man and the perfect fit for Grace Valley's medical needs, but is he? Then there's the mountain family led by a PTSD suffering father and hideously scarred mother, the town's drunken wife beater and his battered family, the lascivious Presbyterian minister and his jealous wife, the Native American sheriff, the old "no nonsense" judge, June's aging father and her eccentric novelist aunt, her chain smoking nurse and her goth receptionist. The list of characters is a mile long. I've only brushed the surface here.

Oh, and then there's the hero. A bit of an afterthought really. Which is why I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5. In a ten and a half hour book, I'd be surprised if an hour of it had anything to do with the central romance. Perhaps, as a trilogy, Carr decided to focus on building the setting and getting us all acquainted with the characters in this book. Still, this book was billed as a romance, and there's a certain expectation of that based on the VR books, but this book is barely a romance. While it didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the book itself, I felt almost cheated in hindsight. I can't complain much, since I loved the book, but I couldn't quite rate it a 5 star either.

One other minor problem was the huge (and I mean huge) number of characters. I would advise readers to grab a notebook and jot down names and relevant information from the start, because otherwise, the book can become very confusing. I've read other reviews on Goodreads from people who read it in print who felt the same. The sheer number of different characters gets a bit overwhelming rather quickly, and you start trying to sort out who is who.

Would I recommend this book? You bet I would. My small criticisms aside, it's a wonderful novel. Find a time to listen when you're not likely to be disturbed, because you won't ever want to hit the pause button.

47 people found this helpful

Great Story, Great Narrator!

If you like a little "warm & fuzzy" in your books then you will love this!

Robyn Carr never disappoints!! I love the story, love the narrator and just wish there was more. Hope the other 2 books in the trilogy are released in audiobook soon. If you've listened to Virgin River, this book will make you want want to check in on Mel & Jack.
Therese Plummer is amazing, I will buy any book she narrates!

26 people found this helpful

Grace Valley is NOT Virgin River

I love the Virgin River series, and was hoping this was more of the same. However, unlike Virgin River, I didn't find myself smiling at the characters and situations and there was no steam-- not even hot water. Had I read this book first, I probably wouldn't have tried her others-- what a shame that would have been since she's now my favorite author! Terese Plummer was wonderful as always, but even she couldn't pull out this rather sad, rambling story. It wasn't terrible, but just simply wasn't good. While the VR books use the underlying poverty and crime in the area to highlight just how good the people of VR are, this book just never got there. And given that the romance between June and xxx (don't want to spoil it for those who do read this) didn't really happen until the last few chapters, then ended with 'her clothes fell to the floor in a pile' disqualify this as a romance novel to me. I purchased the second book before starting this, expecting to want to jump right in after finishing as I did all the VR books, but I plan to return it for a credit. I love Robyn Carr, but not this series!

16 people found this helpful

very disappointing

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This was like listening to the first Virgin River story without any romance or real story.

What could Robyn Carr have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Put a different story line and add some romance.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was unhappy with the entire book.

What character would you cut from Deep in the Valley?

All of them. I would not have listened to this book in the first place if I had known what little story was there. I love the Virgin River series and could not believe that this series was such a disappointment.

7 people found this helpful

Great

It was a great book, kept my interest all the way through, it was well read,, I enjoyed the book, and would tell everyone to get this . It sorta of leads you into the Virgin River books,Robyn Carr is a great author...

7 people found this helpful

Get ready to be sucked in!

Would you consider the audio edition of Deep in the Valley to be better than the print version?

I LOVE Therese Plummer's silky voice and mastery of different characters! When I read the seriesin print, I still imagine her reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Deep in the Valley?

Some ofthe scenes take my breath away! It's just a beautiful story!

What does Therese Plummer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

When I try to imagine that it is only she who is reading, I can't because the characters are so developed.

If you could take any character from Deep in the Valley out to dinner, who would it be and why?

June Hudson. I'm sure she has seen some amazing things!! How can she be so tough, and still so soft??

Any additional comments?

Beware...I started on this series a few weeks ago, and now I can't stop listening! I'm totally sucked in. I actually caught myself looking for a place to move that's just like Grace Valley or Virgin River. One caveat: Audible doesn't have the entire Grace Valley Series, so I had to use another provider, and I'm still waiting on the recording of the 3rd book. Anyway, I just skipped to the Virgin River Series, which is an amazing transition!

6 people found this helpful

Robyn Got Me Again!

After listening to all 17 (or so) Virgin River books and becoming attached to the town and its colorful characters, I really didn't want to start a new series and learn new characters, but Robyn's writing style is so engaging that I decided to give the Grace Valley series a try. Well, Ms. Carr got me again! After just the first book I was hooked and am already listening to book two. I'm glad Therese Plummer is also narrating Grace Valley. I loved listening to her reading of the Virgin River books and continue to enjoy her entertaining character affectations in Grace Valley. So far there is no crossover of characters between the two locations, but I'm waiting...

5 people found this helpful

Grace Valley Just a hop/skip from Virgin River

This trilogy came first with Virgin River as the spin off. I love Therese Plummer and am so glad she narrates all of both series. These stories are the best get away stories ever. You got to love the people Robyn Carr has created. I like that she has her " family" of characters experience love, death, happiness and pain. They are loveable and flawed.

5 people found this helpful

Fine, but not my favorite Carr book.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes because I enjoy Therese Plummer! She distinguishes so well between the different characters.

Do you think Deep in the Valley needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It was like an overall introduction to the town of grace valley. Many characters were introduced, and few were developed in depth.

Any additional comments?

The relationship between Jim and June just sort of happens. Carr is so much more capable of character development. But it just didn't happen here. Either she needs to focus more on drama in June's life, or more on romance. This story is a superficial mixture of both.

5 people found this helpful

No fast forward

If you liked virgin rivers, you will also love this little town of grace valley, something about Robyn books about this small town just can't put them down. Perfectly put together loved it worth any cost or credit.

4 people found this helpful