Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends, The Summer That Made Us and The View from Alameda Island, as well as the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit her website at robyncarr.com
PRAISE FOR #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR ROBYN CARR
‘The Virgin River books are so compelling—I connected instantly with the characters and just wanted more and more and more.’
—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
‘Insightfully realized central figures, a strong supporting cast, family issues, and uncommon emotional complexity make this uplifting story a heart-grabber that won’t let readers go until the very end…. A rewarding (happy) story that will appeal across the board and might require a hanky or two.’
—Library Journal
‘Robyn Carr has done it again.… What We Find is complex, inspirational, and well-written. A romance that truly inspires readers as life hits them the hardest.’ —San Francisco Review Journal
‘With this tale of the soothing splendour of the land and our vulnerability, Carr sets the bar for contemporary romance. The well-paced plot, engaging and well-defined characters, and an inviting setting make Carr’s latest an enhancement not only to the romance shelves but to any fiction collection.’
—Booklist
‘A satisfying reinvention story that handles painful issues with a light and uplifting touch.’
—Kirkus Reviews on The Life She Wants
‘Carr’s new novel demonstrates that classic women’s fiction, illuminating the power of women’s friendships, is still alive and well.’
—Booklist on Four Friends
‘A thought-provoking look at women…and the choices they make.’
—Kirkus Reviews on Four Friends
Also available from Robyn Carr
Sullivan’s Crossing
ANY DAY NOW
WHAT WE FIND
THE FAMILY GATHERING
THE BEST OF US
Virgin River
VIRGIN RIVER
SHELTER MOUNTAIN
WHISPERING ROCK
A VIRGIN RIVER CHRISTMAS
SECOND CHANCE PASS
TEMPTATION RIDGE
PARADISE VALLEY
FORBIDDEN FALLS
ANGEL’S PEAK
MOONLIGHT ROAD
PROMISE CANYON
WILD MAN CREEK
HARVEST MOON
BRING ME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
HIDDEN SUMMIT
REDWOOD BEND
SUNRISE POINT
MY KIND OF CHRISTMAS
SHELTER MOUNTAIN
ROBYN CARR
Karen Garris, another precious daughter,
with love
One
A fierce and unseasonably cold September wind blew chilly rain against the windows. Preacher wiped down the bar, and while it was only seven-thirty, it was already dark. No one in Virgin River would be out on a night like this. After the dinner hour was past, people tended to stay in on cold, wet nights. The campers and fishermen in the area would be locked down tight against the storm. It was bear-and-deer hunting season, but it was unlikely any hunters would pass en route to or from lodges and blinds at this hour in such weather. Jack, his partner and the owner of the bar and grill, knowing there would be little if any business, was tucked away with his new wife at their cabin in the woods. Preacher had also sent home their seventeen-year-old helper, Rick. As soon as the fire burned down a little more, Preacher planned to switch off the Open sign and lock the door.
He poured himself a shot of whiskey and took it over to the table nearest the fire, then turned a chair toward the hearth and propped up his feet. Quiet nights like this were to his liking. He was a solitary kind of guy.
But the peace was not to be. Someone pulled on the door, causing him to frown. It opened a little bit. The wind caught the door and it flew open with a bang, bringing him instantly to his feet. Entering and then struggling to close the door was a young woman holding a child. The woman wore a ball cap and had a heavy quilted bag slung over her shoulder. Preacher went to get the door. She turned, looked up at him and they both jumped back in surprise. She was likely startled because Preacher looked intimidating—he was six foot four, bald with bushy black eyebrows, a diamond stud earring and shoulders about as broad as an ax handle was long.
Under the bill of the baseball cap, Preacher saw a pretty young woman’s face bearing a bruise on her cheek and a split lower lip.
“I’m… I’m sorry. I saw the sign….”
“Yeah, come on in. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be out tonight.”
“Are you closing?” she asked, hoisting up her burden, a little boy, not more than three or four years old. He was asleep on her shoulder, his long legs dangling limply. “Because I… Are you closing?”
“Come on,” he said, stepping back for her to pass. “It’s okay. I don’t have anyplace better to go.” He extended an arm toward a table. “Sit by the fire there. Warm up. Dry off.”
“Thanks,” she said meekly. She went to the table by the fire, and when she saw the drink, said, “Is this where you’re sitting?”
“Go ahead. Take it,” he said. “I was having a shot before calling it a night. But there’s no hurry. We don’t usually close this early, anyway, but with the rain…”
“Did you want to get home?” she asked him.
He smiled at her. “I live here. Makes me real flexible on the hours.”
