Jillian Matlock had it made. She was the protege of a software mogul who groomed her right after college to become an integral part of his very successful business. Her expertise in public relations helped the company grow and in the meantime made her a somewhat wealthy young woman. Having come from nothing, hers was truly a rags to riches story. Her private life suffered as she climbed the corporate ladder, there was just not enough hours in a day to allow for relationships. But she had finally opened up to Kurt, a young man in her department, after he had diligently pursued a personal relationship with her. Of course they had to be discreet, after all it was against company policy but Jillian regarded Kurt as her boyfriend and totally trusted that what they shared was special. She was totally unprepared for his little surprise -- a sexual harassment claim. Loneliness had made her careless and left her vulnerable to a man who had, as it turned out, carefully orchestrated a plan to advance his career at the expense of hers.

Now faced with a leave of absence, Jillian decided she needed time to get her head back together and heal her somewhat broken heart. She wound up back in Virgin River, a place where she and her sister Kelly had spent a wonderful week. Quiet and secluded, it was just the place. But what Jillian actually found there was the promise of a renewed purpose. Not only a possible career option but, if she was very lucky, a fulfilling personal life as well. What she never expected was to reignite her love of gardening and to find Colin Riordan, one of the amazing local Riordan boys.

Colin was in Virgin River to heal body and soul after a life threatening military accident. He was probably facing a future without his first love, flying. He, like Jillian, was looking for something that could replace what had been lost. Neither was looking for any commitment or relationship but their friendship and mutual respect was quickly taking on a life of its own. No matter how fleeting their time together was going to be both agreed on taking their friendship to the next level. But Jillian knew she was just biding her time with Colin and this time she was determined not to let her heart get broken when he ultimately left.

This is yet another in the Virgin River series and I have to marvel how Robyn Carr can make each one so very special. Could be her development of remarkable characters that grow with each book. Could be the way she avoids easy answers for complex relationship issues. Just be assured that you will never be disappointed in any of these stories and will definitely be back for the next installment. Keep them coming Robyn.

Book Summary

SOMETIMES LOVE TAKES ROOT IN UNEXPECTED PLACES—IF YOU’LL ONLY LET IT GROW

Colin Riordan came to Virgin River to recuperate from a horrific helicopter crash, the scars of which he bears inside and out. His family is wonderfully supportive, but it’s his art than truly soothes his troubled soul.

Stung personally and professionally by an ill-advised affair, PR guru Jillian Matlock arrived in town via golden parachute. She’s bought an old Victorian with a promising garden and is looking forward to cultivating something other than a corporate brand.

When Jillian finds Colin at his easel in her yard, there’s an instant connection. But both are holding romance at arm’s length— looking to simplify, not complicate, their lives. And Jill may yet be lured back to Silicon Valley...

No one arrives in Virgin River without a story, and no one leaves—if they ever do—unchanged.