Welcome to Thursday, a day that once seemed lost, with nothing exciting happening anywhere. But then that changed, and today I am celebrating some of the bookish events around the blogosphere, like Lexxie’s Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts; Kimberlyfaye’s TBR Thursday; and Christine’s Bookish (and not so Bookish) Thoughts.
My selection today is a book that has been on my shelves since September 2014: Virgin River, by Robyn Carr.
In our “food” section today, our MC has just responded to an ad for a nurse practitioner in Virgin River, a mountain town. But when she arrives, she is severely disappointed at the cabin, the lack of food, etc. The woman who signed her up for this place sarcastically offers her a meal at a nearby tavern.
“…The bartender set down a bowl along with a napkin and utensils, then stood there awaiting her. He held the chair for her….She dipped her spoon into the stew and gave it a taste. He hovered near the table for a moment. Then she looked up at him and said in some surprise, “This is delicious.”
“Squirrel,” he said.
She choked.
“Just kidding,” he said, grinning at her. “Beef. Corn fed.”
***
Why has this book been on my TBR for so long? Already, I am fascinated by the story, the descriptions, and how it pulled me in. Melinda, our MC, has been recently widowed and is searching for something new in her life. But will she find it here? I can’t wait to discover what happens next.
***
Now for some Bookish/Non-Bookish Thoughts:
- The rain has been replaced by sun in the past couple of days, but more rain is coming, according to the weather people;
- Yesterday’s doctor’s appointment was uneventful, except she changed one of my prescriptions, and I’m a little nervous…what new side effects might appear? I have a fear of the side effects of most meds being worse than the original disease;
- My daughter is throwing a grand party for her 40th birthday in August: a cruise, to which she is inviting friends and family;
- I finished the complete Season 4 of House of Cards on the weekend…I couldn’t stop watching until the last episode! Now for another long wait (a year) for Season 5.
- I’m reading a book I featured here a couple of weeks ago, and really enjoying it, a testament to how good those older TBRs can be! A Long Time Gone, by Karen White, on my shelves since August 2014.
That’s it for this week…what books are you spotlighting today?
Here I am in my mini-office:
***
POTPOURRI 
Oh my! I would have choked for sure at the mention of squirrel! LOL Great quote, Laurel-Rain.
LikeLike
Thanks, Brandee…it makes me sick just to read about it! LOL. So glad it wasn’t really squirrel, though.
LikeLike
I haven’t read Virgin River but I’ve heard good things about it and the whole series!!
My best friend watches House of Cards and loves it too! I need to start watching it!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lori, I always hesitate before beginning a new series, as I am often soon addicted, and that means I lose sight of other books…LOL.
Like with House of Cards…true addict there! I hope you enjoy it.
LikeLike
If this is the original Virgin River, I read this and then skipped around and read two more in the series based on good buzz from so many bloggers. I then read the first in the Thunder Point series and have the second of that on my Kindle.
She’s a feel-good author who also writes intelligently, and doesn’t stoop to the lowest common denominator like many sweet-romance, small-town contemporaries do. It’s not mindless but it’s the type of book I only pick up once in awhile to “cleanse my palate” after multiple dark psychological thrillers! Thanks for reminding me to possibly pick up book 2 of Thunder Point when I’m in the mood…
LikeLike
This will be my first from the author, but as you can see, I’ve had it for a while. That fact does not mean it will not be enjoyable, as I am often sidetracked by review books and shiny new ones from authors I have already read. I’m looking forward to this one, and read a bit of the opening pages in order to find this “food” excerpt. Thanks for stopping by, Rita, and I think I saw this one on your blog.
LikeLike
Have fun on the cruise! Sounds heavenly.
LikeLike
Thanks, Natalie, and I am still not sure I’m going! LOL…I have never been on a cruise, and might feel a little claustrophobic stuck on a boat.
LikeLike
This is one of my favorites! I loved reading VIRGIN RIVER the first time I picked it up. I was at a low place emotionally and it was such a nice story. I continued and have read all the books in the series – think there are 20+. Anyway, it’s going to show up on my ‘Bookish Nostalgia’ post on Monday. It’s not a sickly-sweet romance, but has some depth to it and some of the books tackle issues that are very thought provoking. Plus my daughter is a nurse and this book had a nurse practiioner. Enjoy it, Laurel.
LikeLike
Oh, I am glad to hear that, Kay….from the little bit I read, getting to the foodie part, I connected with the character. My DIL is a nurse, so I am intrigued by stories about them. (As a teen, I read the Sue Barton, Student Nurse series).
LikeLike
Now, that is a grand party – I hope it is enjoyed by all.
I’ve never watched House of Cards, which is kind of shocking when I feel like it is highly talked about by many, I’ll have to check it out at some point.
The book you’ve featured is new to me, but sounds like an interesting read.
I hope you have a wonderful end to your week!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jade, and Virgin River is the first book in a series of that name, so I am glad to be getting in on things with the first one. I’ve heard good things about the books.
As for House of Cards, lots of people were there before I was, but once I started watching, I was addicted.
LikeLike
HAHA at the squirrel quote. I love how he just said it with a straight face and then grinned at her like he does that all the time.
LikeLike
I got that feeling, too, Cheryl, and that scenario gave me a taste of the characters, the dialogue, etc. So I am eager to start reading. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Squirrel huh? Yeah that would give pause… thankfully he was joking lol. The sun came out here early in the week and we actually hit 70 on Tuesday! I know what you mean about meds- I always get a kick out of those ads on TV for certain drugs where they run through the possible side effects and I’m like uh, why on earth would I take that? LOL.
A cruise! Now that’s a good way to celebrate… 🙂
LikeLike
Even though I knew he was probably joking, I sort of barfed a little bit…LOL.
Seriously, the side effects of most meds are so scary that I wonder why anyone takes them. I’m trying the new medication, and keeping the list of side effects handy.
Thanks for stopping by, Greg, and I think a cruise sounds wonderful, but I’ve never been on one, and being on a boat for several days makes me a little nervous.
But then I try to focus on all the parties, etc., and I’m almost persuaded….
LikeLike
I hope this new medication doesn’t have too many side effects for you. I am one that experiences side effects that are worse than the reason I try the medication. The birthday celebration sounds wonderful. Looking forward to Season 4 of House of Cards.
LikeLike
Oh, I am sensitive to side effects, too…I’m just hoping that they won’t get worse, or that they will disappear. Headache and sore throat are two of them I’m having…but so far, that’s not worse than the acid reflux that was horrible before I went on medication. They’re changing the meds because I had been on the previous one for several years, and they don’t like for that to continue, for some reason.
Thanks for stopping by, Nise, and I hope you enjoy Season 4.
LikeLike
I would definitely choke if someone told me I’d just tasted squirrel, too, Laurel-Rain! The quote is great though, and I’m reading a Robyn Carr novel right now, too 🙂 I do have a quote or two for future Thursday posts 😉
I hope you had a great week, and that you’re taking full advantage of your weekend.
LikeLike
Thanks, Lexxie, and I’ve been enjoying your Thursday event and discovering excerpts that make me drool…or choke. LOL.
Enjoy your weekend…and I’m looking forward to next Thursday.
LikeLike