BINGLE BELLS BEGINS! BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: A REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

 It's BINGLE BELLS Time Again!

BINGLE BELLS BOOKS are books I recommend for reading during the holiday season and/or giving as gifts. If a book is on this list, you can expect the warmth of the season in the story, or a book that anyone would love to receive as a gift.

THIS YEAR'S FIRST

BINGLE BELLS BOOK IS:

 

GIVEAWAY ENDED
BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A Virgin River Novel

BY ROBYN CARR

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

AN EXCERPT FROM BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS:
Rich Timm pulled into Virgin River a mere ten hours after leaving San Diego. He’d made excellent time because he tended to ignore little things like speed limits. And...he had been trapped in the Ford truck with his twin sister Becca all day and had had about enough.

As Becca gazed out the window at the town, she muttered, “Seriously?”

“What?” Rich said.

“This is the place Denny never wants to leave? It isn’t exactly... you know... quaint.”

Rich pulled right up to the only bar in town, right next to a truck he knew belonged to one of the two other buddies from the Marines who were meeting him here. “Maybe that’s not what he was looking for.” Rich put the truck in park and before he turned off the ignition, he turned in his seat and said to his sister, “Since there wasn’t time to warn Denny you were coming along, promise me you won’t make trouble.”

“Rich,” she said with a laugh. “Why would I make trouble?”
To finish reading this excerpt, visit Robyn Carr's website HERE! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robyn Carr is a New York Times bestselling and RITA® Award-winning author of more than forty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. The American Library Association’s Booklist magazine named the series debut book, Virgin River, one of 2007’s Top Ten Romances.

The author of over twenty novels, Robyn reaches a wide audience with her writing. In addition to her touching novels, she's written historical romance, series romance and a gripping thriller. "This is the best job I'm ever going to get wearing my nightgown," she says of her writing career.

Originally from Minnesota, Robyn and her family have seen much of the country thanks to her husband, Jim, and his career in aviation. After the two high school sweethearts married, Jim joined the air force during the Vietnam War. They've lived in Texas — all four corners — Florida, California and Arizona.

The couple moved to Henderson, Nevada, so Jim could explore a new business opportunity. "At first, being a Great Plains girl at heart, I said, 'Oh, no, not another desert!' It didn't take me long to fall in love with the beauty of Nevada — and the unrivaled spectacle of nearby Las Vegas!"

Robyn well remembers how she began her career as an author over twenty-five years ago. "I was trained as a nurse, but found it impossible to get work because my husband was constantly being transferred. At the time I was reading a lot of genre fiction for the escapist fantasies and I thought to myself, 'I can write this!'"

And how was her first foray into the world of literature received? "It was universally panned. I thought I had written Gone with the Wind, but in actuality it was complete trash." In fact, it was on her third effort that Robyn finally succeeded in her efforts to become a published author.

Now that Robyn's two children are grown — and finally out of the house — she has the luxury of a little free time. "Until my kids grew up, I didn't realize that a person could have hobbies other than laundry," she jokes. But it turned out not to be hobbies that keep Robyn busy when she isn't writing — she found her niche in community service. She has mentored a seniors memoir-writing group, attends book club chats in and out of state whenever possible and is working with her local library on fundraising and visiting author events that bring writers, their books and the community together. And, since the library is in her focus, she sits on the Library Board of Trustees for the city. "It is the people in my life that fills the well," she says. "Especially the people that share my love for books and writing."

MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW:
If you have never visited Robyn Carr’s Virgin River, what better time then now with her new book BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? The place that Robyn Carr created comes alive in this series based on a theme of love and family, as well as commitment to one’s community. Here people know and watch out for each other, and all this is why so many who come, never want to leave.

BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is the story of two of the series’ characters, Denny Cutler and Becca Timm. These two were in love when they were younger but things happened and they split up, but were always left with lingering remorse that it was the wrong thing to do. You don’t have to have read the entire series to enjoy this book as Carr does a wonderful job of backtracking here and there to bring one up to date on the “Who’s Who” of the Virgin River Series. This story of Becca and Denny easily stands alone and can be enjoyed as is.

In BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, Denny has settled in Virgin River. Becca’s twin brother decides to head up there with his friends to do some hunting and fishing with Denny, who he became good friends with while they were both in the Marines. Becca, who had no word from Denny while he was away, was rightfully hurt and that soon turned to resentment. Although Denny had attempted reconciliation when he returned from war, he was met with Becca’s anger and she sent him away.

Denny’s and Becca’s love really never diminished as time went by. Becca, who has carved out a new life, is near to committing to a lifelong relationship with her boyfriend, Doug. However, she decides she has to see Denny once more to be sure of her feelings. With Becca’s brother and friends going to Virgin River for a hunting and fishing trip over the Thanksgiving holiday, she decides to go as well. Becca claims to be intrigued with the sport of hunting and fishing, and so they allow her to come with them. She swears this has nothing to do with Denny and that she just wants to try the sport and with her parents away, they will feel better if she isn’t alone and rather is with her brother for the holiday weekend.

What happens when Becca does encounter Denny is something I think they knew would happen but neither was ready for. All those old feelings come rushing back but Becca tries her best not to show it. Denny isn’t much better as seeing her hits him like a cold slap in the face as he realizes what this means.

Complications arise when Becca who is trying to hold on to the anger at Denny, falls and hurts her ankle and is unable to travel for another week of so. One thing leads to another and Becca finds herself moving in with Denny for those extra days, but she really thinks at this point, that might not be too bad. As one can surmise, Denny and Becca both realize they never stopped loving each other and are determined to make it work this time, even if Denny has to leave Virgin River to be with Becca. But leaving Virgin River may be easier said than done. Becca likes the area and the people make her feel welcome. She even is offered a job that would be perfect for her but hanging over her head is the thought of leaving behind all she knows and the people back home that she loves.

Is her love for Denny strong enough to commit to this? Does Virgin River draw her in enough to make her want to stay forever? Enjoy BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS and find out. With Robyn Carr’s delightfully well-developed characters and satisfying narrative, this is the perfect book to sit down with and enjoy with some hot tea in a cozy corner as the holidays approach. 

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO ERIC AND THE GOOD FOLKS
AT PLANNED TELEVISION ARTS, I HAVE
TWO COPIES OF ROBYN CARR'S,  
BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS,
TO GIVE AWAY TO TWO LUCKY READERS!

 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO 
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

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GIVEAWAY ENDS AT

6 PM, EST, DECEMBER 1

GOOD LUCK!