Audio Review: Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr

Whispering Rock

Virgin River, #3
Robyn Carr

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Recorded Books
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer
Date of Publication: July 21, 2009
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged
Length of Production: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     Audible   Downpour

The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there’s always room for one more...

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she’s got some fears she can’t escape—but now she has someone who will shower her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

So I took a break after listening to Shelter Mountain. But with all the new year challenges going on, decided to do use this series as my Series That Never Ends Challenge. There are so many books in the series, and I have quite far to go.  So with the New Year upon us, I dived back into Virgin River.

This ended up being another "theme" book. This time the theme was something much, much more emotional and much darker than maternity. It dealt with sexual assault in several forms. Normally I don't like to give a major spoiler like this away, but I think that there should be a warning on this one as it is a hot button topic for many people.  I will say that the author did a fabulous job of being sensitive and realistic with showing how something like rape doesn't just affect the victim, but everyone in their sphere of influence. A good narrator would be critical in keeping a storyline like this one compassionate and sympathetic. Thérèse Plummer continues to do a fabulous job with the inhabitants of Virgin River.

I liked that we continue to keep the strong sense of community in the book. Some characters weren't mentioned as much as from the second, but since Melinda & Jack were deeply connected to Mike and Bree, their story continues to play out as well. Even though this book dealt with a very volatile and sensitive subject it was handled well and I finished the book well satisfied with the journey.  I am giving this 4 stars.