How to Read All of Robyn Carr's 'Virgin River' Books in Order While You Wait for Season 5

Just like the show, the first book starts off with Mel taking a remote nursing job in the town of Virgin River. She's about to call it quits because everything is a disaster — her new home is falling apart, her boss hates her and so on — until she lays her eyes on a former marine named Jack. You know what happens next.

Mel isn't the only one who needs saving in Hope Valley. Meet Paige, a mother on the run from her abusive ex-husband. She finds her way to Jack's Bar, where she meets Preacher, one of Jack's marine buddies who will do everything in his power to keep her safe.

In many ways, Virgin River has become a sanctuary for the people who need it most. In the third book, Sacramento prosecutor Brie Sheridan finds refuge in this sleepy town after a near-death experience on the job. Shortly after her arrival, she meets Virgin River's new (and first) cop, who knows how to heal her deepest wounds — literally and figuratively.

Christmas in Virgin River is just as magical as it sounds. A year after her husband's death, Marcie heads to Virgin River to give overdue thanks to the man who saved his life in a war attack years ago. Upon arrival, she learns that the man still suffers with memories of that fateful day and she may just be the right person to help him move forward.

Vanessa is ready for a second chance at love. There's one major problem: The guy she's interested in gets cold feet in fear of betraying one of his closest friends, who just so happens to be Vanessa's late husband. But just as he seems to change his mind, another woman enters the picture, making Vanessa question if he's really worth it after all.

Now that she's no longer taking care of her ailing mother, Shelby is eager to experience life as a normal 25-year-old. Once she lands in Virgin River, she falls for Luke, a former Blackhawk pilot, who has seen — and lived — many lives, making him rigid, jaded and all sorts of wrong for Shelby.

At first, Rick's sudden return from Iraq is the talk of the town. That is, until Dan Brady, an outsider with a checkered past, arrives in Virgin River. Eventually, they cross paths and discover that they're both seeking the same thing: a home that will bring them a sense of inner peace.

What's under the town's Christmas tree, you ask? A box of puppies! This leads the town's vet Nathaniel Jensen to come to the rescue, putting his budding romance with Annie McCarty on display for all of Virgin River to see.

Looking for a fresh start, Reverend Noah Kincaid buys a rundown church in Virgin River with hopes to transform it into a beautiful place of worship. He quickly realizes that he needs someone to lend a helping hand, leading him to strike up an unexpected bond with a former exotic dancer.

Long-lost lovers Franci and Sean meet years after their romance fizzled. Although they initially pick up right where they left off, a major secret forces them to rethink their past, present and future: Franci hid the fact that the got pregnant with Sean's baby way back when.

Erin Foley is facing a mid-life crisis of sorts: Now that all of her young siblings are taken care of, she's trying to understand exactly who she is and what she wants. She plans to hole up in a cabin in Virgin River to do some deep thinking, but finds a handsome beau to distract her.

After being stood up at the alter, the last thing Sunny Archer wants to do is go to a fancy New Year's Eve party with her uncle and his friends. But one thing leads to another, and she finds herself at the party ... locking eyes with Drew Foley, a Virgin River local getting over a similar heartbreak of his own.

When Clay Tahoma first comes to Virgin River to be the town's veterinary assistant, everyone welcomes him with open arms except Lilly Yazhi. She's turned off by his quiet confidence and charm ... until she isn't.

Colin Riordan and Jillian Matlock are both in search of a new beginning. In an effort to heal and move forward, they both go on separate trips to Virgin River, where a chance meeting sparks a beautiful love story.

A collapse on the job is the wake-up-call that Kelly Matlock desperately needs. While staying at her sister's house in Virgin River, her true desires become abundantly clear — especially when she meets a handsome widower, Lief Holbrook.

Becca Timm is finally ready to move on from her ex-boyfriend, but an unexpected trip to his hometown reminds her of everything she's leaving behind. While there, she gets into an accident, forcing her to stay in Virgin River a little longer and finally confront the man that broke her heart.

Heartbreak has completely destroyed Leslie and Conner's perceptions of love. To everyone around them, it's obvious that the connection they share is unlike any other ... but are they too disillusioned to see it?

As if getting a flat tire isn't bad enough, Katie Malone and her twin boys are now stranded on the side of the road in the pouring rain. Luckily, a group of bikers come to their rescue and Katie may even get more than what she asked for: a biker beau.

At first, Tom thinks Nora has too much baggage: She has two daughters to care for, is struggling to make ends meet and is disheartened by her failed marriage. Yet even with the odds stacked against them, the two are still drawn to one another.

All Annie and Patrick want for Christmas is to be left alone — away from their families, their high-stress jobs and love lives (or lack thereof). When they meet up in Virgin River, the put their initial plans on hold, much to the dismay of their family members.