My Kind of Christmas Audiobook – A Virgin River Novel, Book 20

I first listened to “My Kind of Christmas” on a quiet December afternoon, rain pattering softly against my windows and the faint scent of pine in the air. As someone who treasures both family gatherings and those rare moments of solitude during the holidays, Robyn Carr’s return to Virgin River felt like slipping into a favorite old sweater—comforting, warm, and unexpectedly moving.

Patrick Riordan’s story resonated with me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Having navigated my own periods of grief and renewal, his struggle to find healing after tragedy struck an authentic chord. Patrick is not your typical romance hero; he carries real scars, doubts, and a sense of responsibility that sometimes feels overwhelming. I loved how Carr didn’t shy away from these complexities—instead, she lets them breathe right alongside blossoming hope.

Angie LeCroix was equally compelling. Her search for independence (and peace) amidst her well-meaning but stifling family echoed experiences I’ve had as both daughter and niece during holiday seasons past—when loving intentions occasionally felt like invisible chains rather than gifts. The dance between Angie’s longing for connection and her need for autonomy gave their romance genuine tension. Their chemistry is sweet but never cloying; instead it’s marked by little acts of kindness, playful banter at Jack’s Bar, and gentle confessions under twinkling lights—a far cry from over-the-top gestures but all the more meaningful for it.

One aspect that always draws me back to this series is how Virgin River itself comes alive on audio: Carr paints every shopfront wreath and snow-dusted mountain so vividly that you can almost smell the woodsmoke or hear boots crunching on frosty gravel. Even if you’re new to Virgin River (as some listeners may be), there’s no sense of exclusion here—the town welcomes you like one of its own.

The supporting cast adds charm without ever overshadowing Patrick and Angie’s journey. Their families are meddlesome yet loveable—reminding me fondly (and sometimes exasperatingly!) of my own relatives’ knack for getting involved just when privacy would be most appreciated. Amid laughter-inducing squabbles at big holiday dinners or quieter moments in front of firelit hearths, Carr brings out both the messiness and magic unique to family dynamics at Christmastime.

As far as dislikes go: having become attached to certain recurring characters throughout previous books (I’m looking at you, Preacher!), I occasionally wished for even more glimpses into their lives—but maybe that simply speaks to how immersive this community really is.

Unfortunately, because narrator details weren’t available from my source copy—and since good narration can make or break an audiobook—I can only say that whatever version finds its way into your earbuds will hopefully capture Carr’s warmth and sincerity as beautifully as her prose does on paper.

“My Kind of Christmas” isn’t just another seasonal romance—it’s about rebuilding trust with others (and yourself), letting go enough to let people in again after heartache…and yes, finding something magical beneath all those tangled strands of tinsel we call life. Whether you’re revisiting old friends or discovering Virgin River anew, this book will leave your heart a little fuller—and your holidays much brighter.