Just when I couldn't possibly love Robyn Carr any better, she goes and writes A Summer in Sonoma. Granted, the new book is not set in Virgin River and Jack Sheridan doesn't even make a cameo, but it still held me captive. Robyn teased me about planting surprises in the book that she knew would tickle my fancy - and she's right. They did. Just tickled me pink. The V.R. books will always be my favorites, but A Summer in Sonoma runs a very close second.

The story revolves around four women who have been close friends since junior high. Cassie, an E.R. nurse, thrives on the adrenaline rush she gets from work, but wants something much quieter out of life - a family. When a tussle with another in a long line of lying jerks leads her to Walt, who just might be the most decent man she's ever met, Cassie has to decide how much outward appearances really have to do with happiness. Julie, who's worn a wedding ring since preschool - it seems - is overwhelmed with taking care of her house, chasing her brood, and pinching ever penny until it bleeds. When the stress leads her to make a devastating decision, she know things have to change. Marty's got it all - a handsome husband, a large home, a luxurious RV, plenty of money to spare - but she's tired of her lackluster love life, her current status of working mom/maid, and the indifference she feels emanating from her macho Italian man. A chance encounter with an old boyfriend finally makes her feel desired, dangerously desired. Then, there's Beth, a brilliant doctor who's hiding a terrible secret.

Even though each woman struggles with a different set of problems, they all find strength and support within their circle of friendship. Their bond is strong as cement, but will it be enough to get them all through their crises?

While several aspects of the book's plot hit home with me, it's really the warmth of A Summer in Sonoma that I responded to most. Despite the characters' issues, it's an upbeat novel about ordinary people struggling with common problems. It's typically optimistic and predictable, hallmarks of a Robyn Carr novel. Although the characters could've probably used some fleshing out, I enjoyed them nonetheless. Big, hairy Walt especially appealed to me - even though he doesn't resemble Virgin River's sexy Jack in the least :) Then, there's that LDS fire chief. He may not be all that swoon-worthy, but at least he's a nice, honest representation of Mormon manhood. Even though I'd rather spend a day in Virgin River than Sonoma, I'll go pretty much wherever Robyn Carr decides to take me. I'll follow her happy, heartwarming vibes (not to mention those irresistible V.R. men) absolutely anywhere.

(Readalikes: The House On Olive Street by Robyn Carr and other stories about women's friendships)

Grade: B

If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language and sexual content

To the FTC, with love: I received this ARC from the always generous Robyn Carr. Thank you!

As I mentioned before, Robyn Carr told me she hid some "surprises" for me in A Summer in Sonoma. Okay, maybe they weren't just for me, but I still enjoyed the Mormon Mentions I found in her new book. Here we go:

"'This is the talk you give me when I'm upset about being pregnant ...'

'Which is just about every time you're pregnant,' he laughed. 'I'm not a real religious guy, but these kids - they have to be meant to be. They just keep sneaking up on us. And they come out perfect.'

"You're a Mormon, aren't you? All along, keeping it from me ...'

He covered her mouth in a kiss. 'I must be,' he said. 'Makes me so happy, watching you round out, get big and moody ...(46)'"

If there's one thing (besides polygamy) for which LDS people are known, it's the value we place on families. Joke all you want about our baby-making (Steve Martin's line in "Cheaper By the Dozen" comes to mind: "I just can't keep her off me" - ha ha), we love nice, big families. We believe, first of all, in having children. Also in loving them, teaching them, and helping them make correct decisions. Unlike other religions, we also believe that families are "sealed" together for eternity. Families, for us, are forever.

I love that Robyn Carr highlights this important aspect of Mormonism. Plus, the line's hilarious. Next time my husband's getting ... ahem ... amorous, I'm going to turn to him and say, "What are you, a Mormon or somethin'?" Hee hee.

Later in the book, Carr introduces an LDS fire chief, who helps the characters from the previous passage with some of their struggles. I'm not going to quote all of the passages about him, as they go on for several pages, but here's enough to get the gist:

"The captain of their unit, Eric Sorenson, kept passing by him at the firehouse, glancing at his paperwork, asking him how he was doing. Eric was a good guy, a real happy man with a strong, serious side. He was well respected even though he wasn't exactly like the rest of them. He was religious - Mormon fellow - maybe a little straightlaced. He didn't seem uptight and had an awesome sense of humor, though it never verged into the off color like the rest of the crew. He rarely joined them for a beer, and if he did, he had a cola. But as leaders went, he was sharp and loyal; he really went to the wall for his men (202)."

Through the character, Carr goes on to discuss other aspects of Mormonism: tithing, young men going on 2-year missions, prayer, etc. I don't know who's advising the author on all things LDS, but I think he/she needs a raise! I'm always thrilled to find portrayals of Mormon characters that are both positive and accurate. We may be a little on the stiff side, but most of us are just normal people trying to live good, honest lives. The baby-making's just a bonus :)

(Note: All quotes are from an ARC/uncorrected proof and may therefore vary from what appears in the final copy of the book.)