Warning: Contains SPOILERS for the Virgin River book and television series.
Netflix’s incredibly popular Virgin River is based on Robyn Carr’s 22-book romance series by the same name, meaning there's plenty for fans to read before season 5 releases. Filmed in British Columbia, Canada, the romantic drama premiered in 2019 and now has four seasons, with a fifth already in production and on the way. The important question now is how to read the Virgin River books in the right order.
Like the books, the series begins by following Melinda “Mel” (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson)’s on-and-off romance set in the fictitional Northern Californian town of Virgin River, where secrets never last long. Show-runner Sue Tenney adapted the novels for television, hand-picking storylines and characters to include in the Netflix series. It’s worth noting, however, that many of Virgin River’s critical moments are written specifically for the show. While creative liberties are taken, the series still captures the drama and feel-good essence of the books it's loosely based on.
Netflix’s successful Virgin River adaptation helped grow readership of the book series, which established itself worldwide after its first release, Virgin River, was published in 2007. The 22 books take the story far beyond what’s seen in the show. So, for those who want to enrich the stories depicted in Virgin River, or for those who can’t wait to find out what happens next, here’s how to read the Virgin River books in order.
1. Virgin River (2007)
Like in the show, the first book begins with recently-widowed Mel escaping to Virgin River for a nursing job that she saw on a flyer. Just about everything goes wrong, and thinking she’s made a mistake, Mel decides to leave town. Everything changes when she meets local barman and former marine, Jack.
2. Shelter Mountain (2007)
The second book in the series introduces Paige Lassiter, a mother fleeing with her child from an abusive ex-husband. In Jack’s bar, she meets one of his fellow marines, Preacher, who makes it his mission to protect them. The situation becomes dire when Paige’s ex-husband eventually finds her.
3. Whispering Rock (2007)
A near-death experience brings Sacramento prosecutor Brie Sheridan to Virgin River, where she seeks refuge. Twice-divorced LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela agrees to become Virgin River’s first cop after being badly wounded on duty. Together, the two find a new beginning.
4. A Virgin River Christmas (2008)
A year after her husband’s death, Marcie Sullivan returns to Virgin River to find Ian Buchanan, who saved his life in the war years prior. Still emotionally damaged from serving, he’s more broken than Marcie expected. Miraculously, the two help mend each other’s broken hearts over the holiday season.
5. Second Chance (2009)
After losing her husband and giving birth to his son, Vanessa Rutledge begins to fall for Paul Haggerty, her late-husband’s best friend, who has secretly loved her for years. A Virgin River villain arises when a woman stakes her claim on Paul, leaving Vanessa to decide if he’s worth the trouble.
6. Temptation Ridge (2009)
After five years of caring for her sick mother, 25-year-old Shelby McIntyre is on the hunt for her gentlemanly dream man. While visiting Virgin River, she encounters Black Hawk pilot Luke Riordan, who is nothing like what she pictured her Mr. Right to be. Thirteen years her senior and a jaded womanizer, Luke seems entirely wrong for her, but sometimes opposites attract.
7. Paradise Valley (2009)
After a tour in Iraq, the once-carefree Marine corporal Rick Sudder returns home an empty version of himself. While a young woman attempts to heal him, the town is focused on Dan Brady, a new resident looking to start over. The two eventually meet, discovering they’re both trying to move forward from tortured pasts.
8. Under the Christmas Tree (in the anthology That Holiday Feeling) (2009)
Every year, the townspeople – many of whom are not yet part of the Netflix Virgin River series cast – gather in town square to celebrate the holidays. After finding a box of puppies under the town tree, the residents of Virgin River recruit veterinarian Nathaniel Jensen to help. In actuality, they are only interested in his burgeoning romance with Annie McCarty.
9. Forbidden Falls (2010)
Hoping to re-open an abandoned church, widower Reverend Noah Kincaid moves to Virgin River. Alicia Baldwin, a former exotic dancer, works as his assistant to improve her image and regain custody of her children. Though seemingly opposite, the two quickly find common ground.
10. Angel’s Peak (2010)
After going their separate ways four years prior, Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reunite in Virgin River. Sean wants to give their relationship another chance, but is stunned to learn Franci now has a child. In a typical Virgin River twist, the child is his; Franci became pregnant with when they were still together.
